Posted on September 26, 2012

Clinton Global Initiative Announces Seven New Commitments on Day Two of 2012 Event

On the second day of the eighth annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, former President Clinton announced seven new commitments to address global challenges ranging from women's empowerment and energy efficiency, to sustainable development and childhood nutrition.

On day two of the meeting, CGI brought together public-, private-, and social-sector leaders to discuss how communities around the globe might produce sustainable, holistic approaches to built and natural environments. Commitments were announced by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing and the U.S. Green Building Council, which together will launch the Green Apple Initiative to inform parents, teachers, students, and communities about the importance of physical spaces when it comes to learning; Solairedirect, which will work to develop at least ten megawatts of distributed solar photovoltaic projects in the southwestern United States over the next three years; and United Postcode Lotteries, which will scale its green business competition, the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge, with the goal of boosting innovation in the sustainability field.

Other commitments announced during the day include a pledge of $1 million from Riders for Health to help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of health transport in Kenya's Nyanza Province, which could improve access to health care for five million people in the region; and $2 million from Alcoa and its foundation to increase recycling rates in the United States by 10 percent, thereby eliminating more than 2,850 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

"I am inspired by the dedication and generosity of our CGI members whose commitments touch the lives of millions of people around the world," said Clinton. "This year's commitments represent not only a deep respect for humanity but also inspire others to transform their ideas and innovation into substantive global action. I extend my sincerest thanks to all of the leaders from the political, business, and civil sectors for their willingness to choose to create a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive world for all people."