Our world today faces moments of extraordinary challenge.  From climate change and sustainable development to terrorism and nuclear proliferation, we are witness to both difficult conflict — and critical opportunities for cooperation.  The question we in the academy ask is, how can we engage our significant intellectual resources and provide a safe haven for conversation that makes a meaningful contribution to the search for solutions and provides an opportunity to broaden global understanding?

Columbia University’s World Leaders Forum is a year-long series of events where governmental and civic leaders, renowned intellectuals, and cultural icons from many nations join with Columbia faculty and students to discuss a wide range of global issues, including sustainable economic growth and fair trade, global warming, nonviolent conflict resolution, human rights, artistic diversity, gender and racial equality, and multilateralism.

These programs help realize Columbia University’s commitment to serving as a center for the discussion of the large economic, political, social, and cultural questions of our times that cut across traditional academic and national boundaries.  I encourage you to visit the World Leaders Forum Web site throughout the year for the latest information about this year’s Forum and to register for its upcoming events.  I hope you will join us.

Lee C. Bollinger
President, Columbia University