Fortune Forum staged its first philanthropic summit on 26th September 2006 to assist major humanitarian causes and campaigns worldwide, comprising; heads of the world’s largest foundations, global leaders, celebrities and influential entrepreneurs as its members. The Summit is hosted as a Gala Dinner Forum, in an intimate glamorous setting, and notably had a clear philanthropic agenda. The Summit marked the launch of the Club.

As the sustainability of the planet becomes increasingly threatened the contributions made by Philanthropists, Private Individuals and Entrepreneurs have growing significance. The Forum exists to provide unique opportunities to bring these groups together, at the highest level, to support key initiatives that address global poverty, climate change and worldwide health.

This shared platform is an innovative way of pooling the expertise and resources of some of the world's best NGO’s. This will make our social investment more efficient by saving on event and administration costs. We showcase exceptional and carefully selected identifiable projects which deliver long-term development solutions. Our donor's pledges of support are directed to these measurable projects to make an immediate and demonstrable impact.

Fortune Forum is a not-for-profit, non-political organization and so all proceeds from the Forum go to charities, aid organizations and development programs. The Summit is a platform for eminent speakers and music legends to foster generosity, to mobilize international solidarity and to send a message to promote a culture of giving.  

The world's greatest philanthropists are today's agents of change and decisive policy-makers. The Summit will augment philanthropic power and advance the moral duty of social investment for global development. Our future resides in the creative force of the interrelated global goals which embody the message, that is, Fortune Forum.

An historic evening of spectacular entertainment, dining and inspiration to
raise global awareness and to influence good policy

Prime Minister Gordon Brown opened the event by video address. He believes that the scale of the development emergency and the environmental challenge are such that we cannot now leave it to some other time or some other people and that this can only be achieved in a genuine partnership between the government, the private sector, NGOs and faith groups.

The Hon Al Gore, Nobel Prize Winner 2007 delivered the keynote address. Prime Minister Gordon Brown passed on his congratulations again to Al Gore - on winning his recent peace prize and said that he has been inspirational in focusing attention across the globe on the issue of climate change. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair also passed on his congratulations and said that winning the Nobel was thoroughly deserved.

Renu Mehta conveyed that the exalted human quality expressed through charity is founded on compassion, and when this is combined with practical programs, we can ensure sustainable development. So charity and sustainability are both important and this insight is the essence of Fortune Forum.

International Clean Energy (ICE) Circle was launched to advance innovation in clean energy and to influence the framework of governments to commit greater resources to address climate change. It was addressed by the following participants;

Caroline Lucas MEP stressed the need to focus on want real, lasting, fundamental policy change, so we can address the underlying causes of poverty and environmental destruction, not just the symptoms. Daryl Hannah cautioned that our over-demand for natural resources is causing the wholesale destruction of life. Kane Kramer founder of The British Inventors Society galvanised awareness for the importance of the role of implementing innovation to accelerate the transition to clean, safe and affordable technology.

Sir David Frost stated that Cancer will affect 1 in 3 of us, supporting Cancer Research UK through the Fortune Forum Summit Event is an opportunity for us to make a difference. Jerry Hall as ‘Special Ambassador of The Alliance for a New Humanity’ expressed the gratitude that brightens the eyes of so many people who will benefit from our work together. Lily Cole on behalf of WaterAid, talked about the dire situation in the developing world; 1.1 billion people still lack access to safe water in today’s times.



Sir Bob Geldof was honoured with the British Red Cross Humanity Fellowship Award.
Geldof was given the award in recognition of his continued efforts over 20 years to promote humanitarian issues. The award honours those people who reflect the values of the Red Cross movement and have a long association with, and a dedication to, humanitarian work. The only previous recipients have been Nelson Mandela and Bill Clinton. Bob delivered a powerful acceptance speech echoing the urgency of moving forward, particularly with respect to Africa.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair said that there is no substitute for what governments can and must do to eliminate poverty. Similarly there is no substitute for what individuals and civil society institutions can and must do. Governments can only properly respond to the desires of the people. He expressed his deep congratulations to Bob Geldof on receiving The British Red Cross Humanity Fellowship Award and said that he deserves every bit of our praise and believes that he will continue to be a powerful effective advocate for programs which deserve our support.

Damien Rice produced a beautiful philosophical sound and drew the evening to a poignant close.

Fortune Forum honoured and identified compelling work that is being implemented by The British Red Cross, Cancer Research UK, WaterAid, African Renaissance and ICE Circle. Together, these 5 brands represent the global, the local and the strategic.

So how can Fortune Forum work towards the shared and ultimate goal of scale, scale to reach the vast numbers who need help? We can, through our campaigning and our convening, scale up investment, and influence policy so that children have the chance of reaching adulthood and that our grandchildren have the chance to live in a clean environment.

Fortune Forum has benefited from the reach and impact that our participating luminaries have brought to attract massive media coverage which has amplified awareness at the global level. This advocacy has stressed importance to both our supporters and policy makers at the political level.

An historic evening of spectacular entertainment, dining and inspiration to
fund the projects which can transform our world.

Tuesday, 26th September 2006
Old Billingsgate, London
 

Former US President Bill Clinton was the keynote speaker and was honoured with the British Red Cross Humanity Fellowship Award. Michael Douglas, actor and UN Messenger for Peace, made the stunning presentation. For details of the presentation go to http://www.redcross.org.uk/news.asp?id=62350&cachefixer= The event highlighted the need to take action to tackle the pressing issues of global poverty, environmental sustainability and worldwide health to a glittering array of influential entrepreneurs, captains of industry, global leaders, media moguls and celebrity activists.
 

The work of the British Red Cross, African Renaissance, WaterAid and Alliance for a New Humanity were showcased side by side on a shared platform to highlight these global issues which co-exist. These formidable organisations are working to actively find solutions to the most defining challenges of our time. The campaigning of which cannot be accomplished by one nation or one organisation alone. 

The evening raised awareness of, and funding for, many essential projects including emergency aid relief, notably buying ambulances for the British Red Cross, purchasing tree planting for African Renaissance and providing clean water projects for WaterAid. Deepak Chopra, the renowned spiritualist, to deliver his message of instilling a culture of peace. Deepak Chopra and Dave Stewart performed a special peace music jam.   

                                         

The guests were mesmerised by a much long awaited performance by Yusuf Islam, formerly Cat Stevens. He gave a poignant speech about his children’s charity, Small Kindness. What a finale to an evening of inspiration, entertainment and real pledges to actively contribute to the global efforts. Impersonators of 'The Rat Pack' smoothly rounded off the evening.   

Fortune Forum has benfited from the reach and impact that our partipating luminaries have brought to attract massive media coverage which has amplified awareness at the global level. This advocacy has stressed importance to both our supporters and policy makers at the political level.

The event aimed to inspire and engage exceptional individuals and corporations to become drivers of social change and to compliment the work of major charities and governments in a powerful way. This launch event will serve as a prelude to more focused and intimate high-level events where these leaders can join forces to harness their power, ideas and influence.