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• October 17, 2007: Day 2 of the CGI (9/28)
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  Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007 5:44PM / Standard Entry / The One Foundation / Members only
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  I'm most appreciative of two friends at CAA -- Michelle Kydd Lee and Michael Kives -- and to the Clinton Foundation Asia staff.  Thanks to their assistance, the One Foundation has been introduced to friends around the world during their annual meeting.
  
  I received news in the middle of the day that President Clinton, despite his busy schedule, had set up time for a short meeting with me.  During the meeting, President Clinton clearly recalled our previous meeting two years ago during a charitable fund raising meeting in the Middle East.  He said that just two days prior he had watched "Fearless" and felt inspired.  I brought up the reasons "Fearless" was made and introduced him to the One Foundation's ideas, direction and future, in the hope that I could learn from his extensive global experience with charitable work and gain his support.
  
  The afternoon session was on "Expanding Profitability While Confronting Global Challenges".  It discussed present charitable enterprise ideas; from the beginnings of corporate CSR as a passive activity, to installing social responsibility within the basic business model during the first steps of establishing an enterprise.  For example, Starbucks, by helping farmers with funding to establish a good working environment and conditions, simultaneously guaranteed higher quality in the coffee manufacturing process creating a positive cycle.  A Swiss insurance company massive subsidation of impoverished areas increased the ability for residents to resist natural calamities, thus reducing the need for insurance payouts, as well as promoting the company's overall image.
  
  Many global enterprises discussed how to take on social responsibility.  I've often expressed to my Fortune 500 friends that when you make money in any country, you need to give back to the local community to create a positive cycle.  If everyone, from the bottom to the top, has a charitable, merciful heart, then society as a whole will be more harmonious.
  
  During the evening awards ceremony, recognition was given to individuals in areas of education, poverty, the environmental and health.  I was so moved during the ceremony that twice I almost cried.  Each person who introduced the prize winners were also people who had made brilliant contributions to humanity.  Long, standing ovations were given for each award recipient as well as those who introduced them; respect for those who had contributed towards humanity and global peace.  I felt inspired and enpowered, knowing that we are not alone; there are many people putting forth a great deal of effort on this planet for the benefit of humanity -- for this big family.
  
  The One Foundation is still very young, and being one of the few China-based foundations to participate in this conference is a huge inspiration.  I would like to once again thank President Clinton and the friends of the CAA for this cherished learning opportunity to further solidify the One Foundation's idea -- that everyone on this planet is part of one big family.  I hope that in the near future, should a natural disaster occur, that the Chinese people will rise up to help rebuild those affected with a charitable heart.