Bill Clinton’s speech at UCSD is the first in a series of weekend events for the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) program.
The goal of the fourth annual CGI U program is to connect youth, world leaders, celebrities and educators to create global change.
About 1,000 students are expected to attend the three-day event.
Participants will be asked to commit to a “plan of action” in one of five areas: Education, Environment & Climate Change, Peace & Human Rights, Poverty or Public Health.
In a statement to the press, Clinton said prior participants have made a difference.
“Since 2008, CGI U has brought together more than 2,500 students from 575 schools in 99 countries, all of them dedicated to addressing the great global challenges of our time. Their work has improved the lives of thousands of people around the world.”
The former president also said this year’s students can expect to walk away from the weekend with practical skills.
“I am looking forward to convening the next generation of global leaders once again, so they can learn from each other and gain practical skills that will help them turn their ideas into real change,” said Clinton.
On Sunday morning Clinton is expected to make two big announcements at the San Diego Food Bank in Miramar.
One announcement will be to rename the food bank.
The other, will be a surprise to the 850 guests, including student volunteers, veterans and military families. Joan and Irwin Jacobs along with Stephen Cushman are also expected to be there for the morning event.
