CGI U FAQs

General

What is CGI?

Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) convenes global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world?s most pressing challenges. Since 2005, CGI Annual Meetings have brought together more than 125 current and former heads of state, 15 Nobel Peace Prize winners, hundreds of leading global CEOs, heads of foundations and major philanthropists, directors of the most effective non-governmental organizations, and prominent members of the media. These CGI members have made more than 1,700 commitments valued at $57 billion, which have already improved the lives of 200 million people in more than 170 countries. Commitments made at the 2009 Annual Meeting are expected to affect almost 200 million people. In 2007, President Clinton expanded CGI?s unique model of membership and action to include college and university campuses by launching CGI U.

What makes CGI U different from CGI?

Although CGI U operates with a similar "Commitment to Action" model as CGI, CGI U is dedicated to students and universities. Targeting a more specific sector, CGI U focuses on the distinct potential that young people and higher educational institutions have to make a difference on their campuses and around the world.

How do you decide who attends the CGI U annual meetings? What is your criteria?

We are looking for individuals who have creative commitment ideas with concrete, detailed plans of action and passion and energy for a global issue. Each year, we hope to broaden the CGI U community to include a diverse group of students from a varied range of disciplines who all have the common goal to take action and make a difference.

COMMITMENTS

Can I attend CGI U without making a commitment?

The CGI U Meeting is about taking action. In order to attend, all applicants must propose a commitment idea. Although there are many valuable conferences and gatherings that take place without such a requirement, the goal of CGI U is to bring together people with a plan and a passion to create positive change and take action. 

What if my commitment doesn't neatly fit into one of your five focus areas?

We don't expect your commitment to fit squarely under one of CGI U's focus areas. In fact, Education, Environment & Climate Change, Peace & Human Rights, Poverty Alleviation, and Public Health are often inextricably linked. However, as a way to form strategic networks around common issues, we ask that you select the global challenge area that is most relevant to your commitment.

What's the difference between individual and student group commitments?

Individual commitments are efforts that are spurred by a single individual who decides to take action on an issue of importance to him or her. (Example: I will reduce my personal carbon emissions by 50 percent over the next year.) A student group commitment is a commitment that, from the start, is a collaborative effort by a group of students. This effort could stem from a pre-existing student organization, or a group of students who come together around a CGI U commitment. (Example: We will reduce the carbon emissions of our dorm by 30% over the next year).

MEETING

Is there a schedule for the event?

We will continue to update the CGI U 2012 section of our website as we finalize the schedule and confirmed speakers.

What are Plenary and Working Sessions?

Click here to find out more about Plenary and Working Sessions.

How do I recommend someone as a speaker for the CGI U Meeting?

Please complete this form with detailed information about the individual and why they should serve as a speaker at CGI U.

Will I be able to know who is attending CGI U 2012 prior to the event?

Once all applicants are notified of their acceptance, they will receive access to members-only social networking opportunities. Connecting with other attendees in your area can be useful for commitment brainstorming and sharing resources.

How much does the meeting cost?

For all accepted applicants, this meeting is free. However, CGI U 2012 attendees must cover their own hotel and travel costs or apply for travel and lodging assistance on their application. Travel and lodging assistance is only given out to a small percentage of accepted CGI U attendees with demonstrated financial need.

TRAVEL AND LODGING

How can I raise funds to attend and cover my travel costs?

We urge you to think creatively and resourcefully in order to raise the money to attend CGI U 2012. This can begin with talking to your adviser, dean, or a friendly professor about the possibility of your school sponsoring you to attend the meeting.

Does CGI U provide lodging and transportation to attendees?

We encourage all applicants to complete the trip assistance portion of their application for CGI U 2012. We also negotiate room blocks at favorable rates with several hotels in the area where our meetings take place. There will also be an opportunity to request to share a hotel room with other attendees.

A shuttle bus service will be provided from these hotels to CGI U 2012 events.

Additionally, we suggest you visit our travel message board to help facilitate carpooling to and from the event, and to find other people that may want to share a room.

Can I stay with a friend during the meeting?

Yes, you are welcome to stay with a friend. However, we strongly encourage you to stay near the campus or surrounding area for the duration of the event.

We will only be providing transportation from the hotels where we have reserved room blocks.

Does CGI U provide meals?

CGI U will provide meals for attendees for the duration of the meeting.

OTHER

Can I bring a friend?

Unfortunately, CGI U can only accommodate accepted applicants. If you have a friend who is interested in attending, please encourage him or her to visit our website and apply.

If I can't make it at the last minute, can my friend go in my place?

We are unfortunately unable to accept last-minute substitutions for attendees, and can only accommodate the specific student who applied and was accepted. As there are many students who would like to attend CGI U 2012, please keep this in mind when you are applying.

CGI U 2012 is at George Washington University.  Where will CGI U 2013 be?

We are currently exploring locations for future meetings, and we will update our website when a location has been confirmed in the coming months.