In a year filled with global uncertainty, the 2025 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), held last week in New York City, wrapped up with a clear message: cooperation over conflict, collective action, and a call for dignified optimism in the face of growing challenges.
For the past 20 years, CGI has been a space where action matters more than talk. Each year brings its own obstacles, but this year felt different.
There was a growing sense that much of the progress made in recent decades is beginning to slip away. Economic instability, democratic backsliding, conflict, and climate change were all front and center. For once, the spotlight was not just on the world at large, but also on the United States.
Opening the event, President Bill Clinton urged participants to stand up for democratic values. He warned against the erosion of norms, the rejection of science, and cuts to global aid. “Healthy democracies rely on debate and dissent, not violence or intimidation,” he said.
Tying into the 2025 CGI theme of “What’s Next?” he challenged the room to act.
“We’re trying to do everything we can to provide a counterweight to a lot of the negative things that have taken place in the last several months.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom opened the first day as its keynote speaker, and not by accident. Known for his outspoken leadership, Newsom described California as a microcosm of America, with its diversity, economic power, and leadership across industries. Now ranked the world’s fourth-largest economy, California even outpaces countries like Germany and the UK.
“We’re in the future business,” Newsom said, calling for bold leadership and a willingness to face hard choices. “We can’t back away from the hard fights,” he added, rejecting the idea of powerlessness.
Both Newsom and Clinton turned their focus to a growing crisis among young men and boys, from rising school dropout rates to online radicalization.
Newsom recalled hosting both Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon on his podcast, speaking about how they weaponized grievance to build political movements. His answer to this? Invest in mentorship, community service, and programs like California’s AmeriCorps. When asked what everyday people can do, he kept it simple: show up, stay involved, and make sure young people know they matter.
That spirit of possibility was echoed later in one of CGI’s most impactful announcements through the Clinton Health Access Initiative. Lenacapavir, Gilead Sciences’ HIV prevention drug, will be made available for $40 per person per year in 120 low and middle-income countries starting in 2027.
Gilead CEO Daniel O’Day called it a powerful step toward ending the HIV epidemic through global partnership. impact.
Actor Matt Damon shared how CGI, 17 years ago, helped him realize his goal of bringing safe water and sanitation to millions of people. CGI introduced him to engineer Gary White, and together they formed Water.org. He reaffirmed this commitment, saying, “As of January 2025, we have reached over 73 million people.”
On the “Bold Solutions for Effective Philanthropy” panel, Northwell Health CEO Michael Dowling highlighted how partnerships can tackle urgent social issues. He emphasized that gun violence is a public health crisis. Under his leadership, Northwell launched the Center for Gun Violence Prevention, collaborating with hospitals, universities, and researchers to address root causes through education, screening, and advocacy.
On the “A Critical Moment for Humanitarian Response” panel, Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), discussed how organizations like WFP are adapting to funding shortfalls. She highlighted the importance of efficiency, new approaches like cash transfers and community vouchers, and the need for public-private partnerships to urge world leaders to prioritize aid.
In the final CGI panel, “We’re Next?” Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani emphasized that peace and democracy, not tariffs or authoritarianism, drive economic prosperity.
“When you never take your freedom for granted and focus on the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, economic empowerment follows. What you stand for in the most difficult times matters.”
President and Secretary Clinton, along with Dr. Chelsea Clinton, closed CGI 2025 by launching 106 Commitments to Action — measurable partnerships tackling urgent global challenges, with regular progress reports.
The event affirmed that despite rising challenges, the determination to confront them together is stronger than ever.
“People in this room don’t shy away from hard fights,” Secretary Clinton told delegates.
“If we approach others with an outstretched hand, we have a chance to keep hope alive,” President Clinton said.
“CGI has always been about real solutions. This year, we’re doubling down on collaboration and collective action.”
Learn more about CGI and all 106 Commitments to Action at clintonglobal.org.
Maura Kelly is a media and marketing specialist and an Emmy Award winning producer. She is an active member of the Irish American community and global Irish diaspora.
