NEW YORK — A coalition of 15 nonprofits and humanitarian organizations is set to kick off this year’s Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting by announcing significant investments aimed at alleviating the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has persisted for over a year due to escalating conflict.
The group, known as the Coalition for Mutual Aid in Sudan, is committed to donating a minimum of $2 million to local mutual aid organizations by year’s end, with plans to raise an additional $4.5 million over the next two years.
This announcement is part of more than 100 commitments expected during the two-day event, which gathers political, business, and philanthropic leaders to tackle some of the most urgent global challenges. This year’s theme, “What’s Working,” seeks to identify effective solutions in these challenging times.
First Lady Jill Biden is also expected to announce a new initiative focused on women’s health, highlighting the need for more research and funding in this critical area. “Women’s health is understudied and research is underfunded,” she stated, pointing out the gaps in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various conditions affecting women.
According to World Food Program Director Cindy McCain, Sudan is facing what she referred to as “a forgotten crisis,” with 25 million people already in acute hunger situations. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in over 14,000 fatalities and widespread displacement, making it one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world.
Patricia McIlreavy, president of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, emphasized the urgent need to support local Sudanese aid efforts, as community groups have become the primary responders to the crisis amidst significant obstacles faced by international aid agencies.
Currently, more than 12 million individuals have been displaced due to the conflict, exacerbating what is now recognized as the world’s largest crisis of displacement and hunger.
Greg Milne, CEO of the Clinton Global Initiative, expressed optimism regarding the potential of diverse partnerships to address these dire challenges. “Strong, diverse partnerships can lead to innovative solutions,” he remarked.
Leaders from various sectors will share insights into their initiatives at the conference, including discussions on issues such as children’s safety online and ongoing global health initiatives. Notable international leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, will also participate in key discussions throughout the event.
