The Initiative for Global Development invited economist George Soros, Chairman of the Open Society Institute, to Seattle for a panel discussion on the role of the United States in global development efforts.  Bill Clapp provided opening remarks, voicing the IGD Founders’ shared commitment to global development and explaining why it is critical that the United States take a leadership role.

Soros began his presentation by stating his belief that the United States’ economic, technological and military dominance gives us a special responsibility in the world.  As the architect of the current world structure, we must respond to globalization by re-shaping the world order to become more “stable, equitable and inclusive so that everybody benefits.” However, U.S. leadership and the public have an aversion to international cooperation.  Soros said that he sees an opportunity for the Initiative for Global Development to spread the word about the importance of U.S. leadership and to advocate for increased international cooperation.  In conclusion, Soros reiterated his concern about how America is using its power: “We are powerful, but power imposes on you an obligation to be more equitable—to be more concerned about the less powerful.”

Dan Evans gave an inspiring closing address, encouraging audience members to work together with IGD to influence U.S. policy to leave a better world for coming generations.  He concluded by saying, “we may not, by ourselves, in this one city, in this one small group of one city, bring enlightenment but we sure as heck could end up being the match that lights the torch that ultimately accomplishes that end.”