Global Hope Summit Convenes International Community to Fight Violent Extremism and Intolerance

NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Global Hope Coalition today announced a selection of featured speakers for the Global Hope Summit, which brings together 450 government and business leaders, cultural icons, philanthropists, and human rights activists to fight violent extremism and intolerance, preserve cultural heritage, and promote intercultural dialogue. The event will take place on Monday, September 18^th, 2017 in New York City, during the week of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Summit will be hosted by Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, and the Leadership Council of the Global Hope Coalition, which is committed to establishing a global platform to empower and amplify the impact of courageous individuals who stand up to terrorism. Heads of state and government ? including the Presidents of France, Iraq, Mali, Ghana, Malta and Bulgaria ? will join other government, business, philanthropic, and United Nations agency leaders to launch the coalition.

"In response to violent extremism in cities worldwide, it's not only the armed forces that ultimately will bring a better, safer future. This is a battle to win the hearts and minds of those at risk of violent extremism's influence," said Bokova. "With the newly formed Global Hope Coalition, we're coming together as a global community to help fight violent extremism and intolerance, protect cultural heritage, and encourage intercultural dialogue." 

Among others, expected speakers and guests include: Emmanuel Macron, President of France; Fuad Masum, President of Iraq; Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, President of Mali; Rumen Radev, President of Bulgaria; Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana; Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta; Jusuf Kalla, Vice-President of Indonesia; Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg; Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister; Laura Bush, former First Lady of the United States; Priti Patel, Secretary of State of the United Kingdom for International Development; Henry Paulson, President of Paulson Institute (former Secretary of Treasury); Emily Rafferty, president emerita, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Deborah Lehr, Chairman of the Antiquities Coalition and Chairman of the Board of Global Hope Coalition USA; Herbie Hancock, jazz legend; and Forest Whitaker, American actor, producer, and director.

The event will include a gala and awards ceremony to recognize individuals who are taking great risks to oppose extremists, wherever they spread lies, bigotry, and hatred. This year's 'Everyday Heroes' include honorees who are aiding refugees and vulnerable communities, standing up to the ideas of religious extremists, and starting new beginnings after their lives as gang members and terrorists, among others. The list of this year's honorees is available here: http://globalhopecoalition.org/everyday-heroes/.

For additional information, email: [email protected]

ABOUT THE GLOBAL HOPE COALITION
Established in September 2017, The Global Hope Coalition is an international initiative dedicated to providing a global platform to bolster the civil society campaign to fight violent extremism and intolerance, preserve cultural heritage, and promote intercultural dialogue. Learn more at http://globalhopecoalition.org/.

SOURCE Global Hope Coalition