Held alongside UNGA 80 on September 24 in New York City, the Forum will bring together heads of state, CEOs, and global leaders to chart what comes next for global cooperation and how to deliver real-world impact
Michael R. Bloomberg, Bill Gates, Adam Silver, Shemara Wikramanayake, Ajay Banga, Djimon Hounsou, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, Henry M. Paulson, Chiney Ogwumike, Masai Ujiri, and other leading voices will address attendees
New York, NY — Bloomberg Philanthropies today announced the first slate of speakers and program updates for the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum. Returning to New York on September 24, alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the Forum will bring together dozens of heads of state with CEOs and global leaders to explore the next era of global cooperation and identify ways to strengthen collaboration, unlock growth, and deliver real-world impact.
Discussions will focus on economic growth, public health, energy security, and innovation, while also spotlighting Africa as a hub for investment and infrastructure growth ahead of the G20 Summit in South Africa this November.
Speakers at the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum will include Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions, WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries, and Founder, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg L.P.; Ajay Banga, President, World Bank Group; Bill Gates, Chair, Gates Foundation; Henry M. Paulson, Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and Chair, Paulson Institute; Djimon Hounsou, Actor and Founder, Djimon Hounsou Foundation; Chiney Ogwumike, Two-Time WNBA All-Star and Multi-Platform Host and Analyst; Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner; Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President, African Development Bank Group; Masai Ujiri, Co-Founder, Giants of Africa and Zaria Group; and Shemara Wikramanayake, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Macquarie Group. Additional speakers will be announced soon.
Previous forums hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies alongside UNGA in New York City — including the Bloomberg Global Business Forum, the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit, and the U.S.-Africa Business Forum — have welcomed over 50 heads of state, 250 global CEOs, and influential leaders from finance, technology, policy, academia, and the nonprofit sector. Building on this track record, the 2025 Forum will feature keynote conversations, high-level panels, and announcements, in addition to roundtables and bilateral meetings with heads of state, CEOs, and other leaders.
The event will be held from 8:00am-3:00pm ET on Wednesday, September 24th, at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, with the main plenary session from 9:30-11:00am ET. Media must be credentialed to attend and can request credentials here. Please contact pressinfo@bloomberg.org with any questions.
About Bloomberg Philanthropies:
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.7 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.
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