New coalition of aid groups supporting Sudan to be launched at this year’s Clinton Global Initiative
NEW YORK — A diverse group of 15 nonprofits, humanitarian aid organizations and other funders plan to open the Clinton Global Initiative The General Assembly held its annual meeting on Monday, announcing new investments to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan after more than a year of conflict.
The Coalition for Mutual Aid in Sudan – which includes the draft law & The Melinda Gates Foundation, Global Giving, the Global Fund for Women and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee will donate at least $2 million to relief groups across the country by the end of the year. It has also committed to raising an additional $4.5 million for these groups over the next two years.
The commitment is one of more than 100 expected during the two-day gathering of political, business and philanthropic leaders who will come together to address some of the world’s most pressing issues. Former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Clinton Foundation Vice Chair Chelsea Clinton have chosen this year’s theme of “What Works,” a way to explore potential solutions and effective programs in these tumultuous times.
First lady Jill Biden said Friday she would announce a new women’s health initiative at Monday’s CGI meeting, but declined to provide details ahead of her appearance.
“Our country is home to the best medical research in the world, but women’s health is understudied and research is underfunded,” Biden said. “And we still know too little about how to effectively prevent, diagnose, and treat a range of women’s health problems, from heart disease to cancer.”
World Food Programme Director Cindy McCain told The Associated Press earlier this month that ” Sudan crisis almost forgotten “and that 25 million people there are already facing acute hunger. Last week, the United Nations’ top humanitarian official said the fighting intensifies The conflict began in April 2023 when long-running tensions between Sudan’s military and paramilitary rulers erupted in the capital Khartoum and spread to other areas. According to the UN, more than 14,000 people have been killed and 33,000 injured.
“As the obstacles to large-scale international assistance continue to stand in the way, Sudanese community groups have become the first responders on the front lines and are currently the most effective means of helping millions of people on the brink of starvation,” said Patricia McIlreavy, president of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, in a prepared statement on behalf of the coalition. “With so many lives at stake, supporting local relief efforts in Sudan has never been more urgent.”
According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, more than 12 million people have been forced from their homes in Sudan, creating the world’s largest food and displacement crisis. The danger posed by the conflict prevents most international aid agencies from providing relief to those in need.
Greg Milne, executive director of the Clinton Global Initiative, which convened a panel in April to raise awareness and support for the Sudanese people, said the new coalition is an example of what coming together of organizations from across sectors can do.
“We know that strong and diverse partnerships can help address often overlooked, even disastrous, challenges and develop unexpected and innovative solutions,” he said.
Philanthropic leaders including Bill Gates, World Central Kitchen Founder Jose Andres, Open Society Foundations Chairman Binaifer Nowrojee, and Rockefeller Foundation President Raj Shah will share insights into their work during CGI, as will Prince Harrywho will discuss the launch of the Archewell Foundation’s Parents Network, which supports parents of children who have been abused online. During his appearance on Tuesday, the Duke of Sussex will also discuss his work with the World Health Organization and others to reduce violence against children, an issue he and his wife Meghan highlighted at a press conference. recent trip to Colombia.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu and Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics are expected to speak at the conference, as are the CEOs of Pfizer, Mastercard, IKEA, Pinterest, Sanofi and Chobani.
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