Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has been invited to deliver the keynote address at the 2016 Hope Global Forums conference, scheduled to take place in Atlanta, Georgia, in the second week of January.
Jonathan joins a prestigious roster of past speakers, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who headlined the 2015 event.
The forum is expected to draw over 3,000 leaders from 40 countries, with discussions centred around the theme, Reimagining the Global Economy: Inclusive Economics.
Invitation to Lead a Global Conversation
The letter of invitation, jointly signed by Andrew Young, global spokesman for Operation Hope; Kasim Reed, Mayor of Atlanta; and John Hope Bryant, CEO of Operation Hope, highlighted Jonathan’s international recognition for leadership and vision.
“As someone recognised for his leadership and vision in Nigeria and abroad, we are personally requesting your attendance. It is important for us that your influential voice and perspective be included as we drive a global conversation,” the letter stated.
The organisers urged Jonathan to lend his support to an entrepreneurship mentoring programme, sharing his experiences as a leader with the global audience.
Focus on Inclusive Economics
The annual event, hosted during the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend, aims to foster dialogue among leaders from the private sector, government, and communities to chart a course for an inclusive global economy.
“The conference envisions a global economy where the underserved, working poor, and struggling middle class are seen as untapped assets for economic growth, entrepreneurship, and job creation,” the organisers said.
Set in Atlanta, known as the “Cradle of the Civil Rights Movement,” the forum will honour Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by highlighting his unfinished work in economic self-reliance. Activities will include a special “white glove” viewing of Dr. King’s papers.
High-Profile Guests
Jonathan will join an illustrious lineup of speakers and participants, including Tim Cook, CEO of Apple; Jack Lew, U.S. Treasury Secretary; Robert Rubin, former Treasury Secretary; and Chelsea Clinton, vice-chair of the Clinton Foundation.
Advancing Social and Economic Well-Being
The Hope Global Forum is an annual event that convenes thousands of thought leaders, business professionals, and policymakers to explore strategies for advancing social and economic well-being globally.
This year’s focus on inclusiveness seeks to reimagine global economies to foster entrepreneurship and economic participation across all social strata.
The organisers emphasised that Jonathan’s presence and insights would be instrumental in shaping discussions on building a more inclusive global economy.
