By the time many of you read this column, ‘Philanthropy’s Vision: A Leadership Summit’, hosted by the Council on Foundations, will be taking place (4-7 May) near Washington DC.

The Summit is a one-time event combining the Council’s three annual conferences. For four days, philanthropic leaders from around the world are gathering to strategize about how we can work together more effectively – as well as with business and governments – to address the tremendous challenges and opportunities that we face today at the global, national and local levels. The Summit is all about leadership, partnership and impact.

The Council has made a concerted effort to make the Summit a truly international event. Plenary sessions will highlight philanthropy around the world and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Featured speakers include Wangari Maathai (2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner and head of the Greenbelt Movement), Mary Robinson (former President of Ireland and former head of the UN Human Rights Commission) and Azar Nafisi (Iranian-born professor and author of Reading Lolita in Tehran). A mini-summit will focus on migration/immigration issues.

A 30-member international advisory committee convened from philanthropic leaders from all regions of the world suggested concurrent sessions that will feature global perspectives on such diverse issues as climate change, advancing understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims, Darfur, fair trade, children, democracy, information technology, public policy, and knowledge management.

For those of you who are participating in the Summit, welcome one and all! We hope you find this unique gathering enjoyable and stimulating. For those of you who are unable to attend, look for a recap of the Summit highlights in this column in the next edition of Alliance.

For more information
http://www.philanthropysummit.org

Council on Foundations
Director, International Programs: Rob Buchanan
T +1 202 466 6512
International@cof.org
Buchr@cof.org
http://www.cof.org