Posted on 9th February 2010
The inaugural meeting of The Global Leaders (TGL), an international networking group of influential leaders in philanthropy, business, government and education, was held at the prestigious Yale Club in New York City this week.
TGL’s co-founder George Bickerstaff, Director of Vion Pharmaceuticals and managing director of CRT Investment Banking LLC ICT, told Philanthropy UK this week that the inspiration for forming the network came from his experiences on holding very senior roles in some of the largest companies in the world, and sitting on many different public and private boards, including a number of global philanthropic foundations such as GAVI, the largest foundation supported by the Gates Foundation:
“I especially noticed the need for a strong leadership network when supporting philanthropic activities. When we brought together the minds and resources of business, government and education, we had a huge impact. In the case of GAVI, over 4 million lives have been saved,” he said, adding, “Philanthropy is the ultimate form of leadership, and where the business, government and education come together. The most effective philanthropies are where people from government, business, educations come together to solve problems bigger than all of us.”
Bickerstaff hopes that within five years the network will have expanded to include millions of leaders at all levels in all countries and in all areas, “But more important than size we hope to be able to facilitate measurable improvements in our world by bringing global wisdom, work and wealth together. We are seeing that happen already.”
The network was launched in 2009 and comprises 15,000 active members in 150 industries and 160 countries. Members lead or have led over 10,800 companies, with headquarters in over 60 countries that employ more than 28 million people. They have revenue exceeding $7.7 trillion (£4.9 trillion) and assets of over $56 trillion (£35.8 trillion).
To find out more about the network or to join it visit The Global Leaders website.
