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LECTURES, SYMPOSIA & CONFERENCES

Goi Peace Foundation Forum 2008
New Philanthropy for a New Civilization

 

The Goi Peace Foundation Forum 2008 was held in Tokyo on November 9, 2008, under the theme of "New Philanthropy for a New Civilization."

Philanthropy around the world has entered a period of unprecedented and transformational change. Leading international business entrepreneurs are increasingly focusing their attention on addressing global challenges and improving people's lives. With the aim of changing the world for the better, they are reinventing philanthropy the way they reinvented business, finding innovative solutions to produce the greatest possible social impact. At the same time, more and more citizens are takingpart in grassroots philanthropy worldwide.

Over 1800 people from various fields filled the Bunkyo Civic Hall to hear the 2008 Goi Peace Award laureate Bill Gates speak on the subject, and to explore together the "new culture of giving" which is becoming a major force for creating a New Civilization.

PROGRAM

PART I

■ Goi Peace Award Ceremony and Commemorative Address / Bill Gates

The 2008 Goi Peace Award was presented to Bill Gates, founder and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In his commemorative address, Mr. Gates spoke about the power of innovation and cooperation in creating a more peaceful and equitable world.

<Bill Gates>
Bill Gates was born in 1955 in Seattle, Washington, USA. He founded Microsoft Corporation in 1975 and led the company to become the worldwide leader in business and personal computer software, services, and solutions. In late June 2008, he transitioned out of his day-to-day role at Microsoft to dedicate more of his time to his philanthropic work.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which he founded in 2000, is the world's largest private foundation. With its grant-making organized into three programs-Global Development, Global Health and United States, the foundation supports work in more than 100 countries to help all people lead healthy, productive lives.

■ Voice of Youth "My project to create positive change in my environment"

The winners of the 2008 International Essay Contest for Young People chosen from among 4,711 entries from 137 countries presented their innovative ideas and projects to foster sustainable development in their communities.

Children's Category Winner: Martin Kotarski (Croatia)
Youth Category Winner: Valeria Cortez Vaca Díez (Bolivia)

PART II

■ Talk Session "Philanthropy and the Future of Humanity"

How can all sectors of society work in partnership to make lasting change in the world? Hiroo Saionji (Goi Peace Foundation President) and Masami Saionji (Goi Peace Foundation Chairperson) asked Bill Gates about his vision for the future of philanthropy and the advancement of the human family. They were also joined by William H. Gates Sr., father of Mr. Gates and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

■ "Prayers for All Life on Earth" ~ with music and images ~

A dynamic live performance was given by award-winning Suma Gakuen Wind Symphony Orchestra from Hyogo, accompanying the images of faces and sceneries of the world shown on the large screen. The participants joined their hearts in compassion for all people and life on earth, and reaffirmed the final message of the day "All lives have equal value-May Peace Prevail on Earth."