Kofi Annan, Global Leaders will Discuss Future of Global Citizenship & Solutions to Refugee Crisis at Global Citizen Forum 2015

Global Citizens, world leaders, policymakers, philanthropists, celebrities and thought leaders will gather next month in the Principality of Monaco for the 3rd annual Global Citizen Forum (GCF) held from 8-9 October 2015.  This year, the GCF, a non-profit platform, will call attention to the intensifying refugee crisis in Europe and the urgent need to enact effective solutions.  Additionally the Forum will feature discussions on global security, foreign direct investment and the future of global citizenship.

“During a time of tremendous global challenges including the refugee and migration crisis along with continued global economic volatility, the Forum aims to gather not only thinkers but those willing to take action to drive change on these important issues collaboratively,” says Armand Arton, the Forum’s Founder.  “Our aim is to work together with governments, policymakers, philanthropists and global citizens to present public-private solutions to some of today’s most pressing challenges – and then to work together to bring those solutions to life,” says Arton.     

For the first time, the Forum will consider the impact of current mass migration trends and what those trends mean in the face of today’s political and economic uncertainty.  "In the face of the escalating refugee crisis, we must respond together as global citizens, with the firm resolve to do what is right, to do what is fair, and to treat fellow human beings with the dignity they deserve. This is what the GCF is about, and I'm looking forward to being part of this year's discussions," says Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova, who will be speaking at this year’s Forum. 

“Every day we are reading the headlines on the growing global refugee and migration crisis – a challenge bridging both the Middle East and Europe,” says Jacques Attali, French economist, writer and former advisor to the President of France and a speaker at this year’s Forum. 

One potential solution to this challenge is the Global Citizen Tax which will be further discussed at the forum. The tax would be a simple levy on investor applications for residence or citizenship in EU countries. The proposed tax could mean big changes, potentially funding over a billion euros in the next five years. These funds demonstrate the positive impact global citizenship can have, whether it’s through the creation of jobs, aid for the agencies working with refugees or other economic stimulation to the impacted countries.

“We know that wealthy global migrants now act as drivers of economic growth, contributing around 50 billion euros of foreign direct investment to countries around the world, and by using some of the citizen investment funds to help solve the growing crisis, we can effect positive change that makes a tangible difference,” according to Arton.

The Forum will also empower discussions on what it means to be a global citizen and the opportunities for economic growth and mobility that globalization presents.  “This year’s Forum will be a place for an open and honest dialogue on the changing global landscape, and our responsibility as global citizens to implement the ideas we discuss –together,” says Arton. He will be joined by some of the world’s thought leaders, government officials, policymakers and philanthropists who will gather to discuss these pressing issues and to innovate solutions to meet the changing global landscape. 

In addition to Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the Kofi Annan Foundation, this year’s speakers include Jose Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission and former Prime Minister of Portugal; Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO and a number of other activists and public figures.

On October 8, 2015, the Forum will host the Global Citizen Gala. During the Gala, the 2015 Global Citizen Forum Award will be presented.  The award honours individuals who have contributed to the development of global citizenship through their work within the global community.  The gala also features a special performance by artist and activist, Wyclef Jean, who will also be speaking at the forum.

For more information on the Global Citizen Forum and to register visit: www.globalcitizenforum.org.

About the Global Citizen Forum

The 2015 Global Citizen Forum takes place in Monaco on 8th and 9th October. Global Citizen Forum is an annual non-profit event that empowers discussions on what it means to be a citizen of the world. Global investor migration is a growing economic sector, which has attracted an estimated 50 billion euros of foreign direct investments to countries. Considered as the “Davos” of the industry, the Global Citizen Forum seeks to inspire change, provoke innovation, encourage engagement and empower future generations during two days of debate and idea sharing. The event aims to foster dialogue with policymakers as they look to evolve political, social and economic responses to migration; to inspire change and uncover solutions to global causes and to explore new ways that global citizens can contribute to society. It provides delegates with the opportunity to interact with visionaries, politicians and public figures and enjoy world-class entertainment at the Gala Dinner for the benefit of the Global Citizen Foundation