Launched in 2003, the World Leaders Forum is an annual, yearlong University-wide initiative that demonstrates Columbia’s pledge to serve as a center for public discussion and debate on the large economic, political, social and cultural questions of our time. The World Leaders Forum covers issues that cut across both traditional academic and international boundaries. Featuring distinguished speakers and key faculty members who offer different perspectives, the Forum, helps prepare students to navigate the world. Since the World Leaders Forum was established, almost 40 countries from nearly every continent have been represented. Speakers have included the Dalai Lama, President Bill Clinton, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, President Mary Robinson of Ireland, President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan, President Evo Morales of Bolivia and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda. Among the many topics that have been covered are; Millennium Development Goals, sustainable economic growth and fair trade, nonviolent conflict resolution, free press in China, to mentorship in the arts, international film criticism and religion.

For more information, please visit www.worldleaders.columbia.edu