[Clinton Global Initiative] Hunter and Clinton embrace poverty fight

From The Scotsman

FORMER US President Bill Clinton was joined by Scottish entrepreneur Tom Hunter in New York to launch a programme aiming to tackle poverty, climate change and key world issues.

The Clinton Global Initiative hopes to find solutions to problems including religious strife and governance.

It brings together politicians, business leaders, activists and academics by asking them to take specific action.

Among those who have already made significant contributions are Sir Tom who has donated around £55m to the campaign.

Last night Mr Clinton chaired a discussion between Prime Minister Tony Blair, US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and King Abdullah of Jordan as he unveiled the first four commitments at the Sheraton Hotel in Manhattan.

"I don't claim for a second that the Clinton Global Initiative will solve all of these extraordinarily tough questions," Mr Clinton said.

"But getting all of these people in one place to focus on these critical problemsis an important first step."