President Clinton To Attend NYU Law Forum On "Strengthening Democracy In The Global Economy: An Opening Dialogue"

New York—On September 21, 1998, New York University School of Law will sponsor a daylong forum entitled "Strengthening Democracy in the Global Economy: An Opening Dialogue."

Joined by leaders from business, labor and academia, U.S. President Bill Clinton, Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and other world leaders, will participate in a conversation on how governments can cope with the challenges of a global economy while at the same time find innovative ways to maintain the highest level of prosperity, expand opportunity, protect liberty and deepen democracy.

The day will consist of three panels. The first panel, on "Civil Society and the Future of Democracy," will address the issues civil society faces in the new global economy and how it can adapt and flourish under ever-changing conditions. The discussion will focus on family and work, community and commerce, the rule of law and human rights, civic participation and public purpose, and the role of social investment.

The second panel, on "The New Economy and the Future of Opportunity," will address the problems of worker equity and opportunity, technology and education, poverty and the fate of the stake-holding middle class, the environment and economic development, and the roles of the nation-state and the modern corporation.

The third panel, will feature reflections by heads of state and heads of government, including President Clinton, drawing on their practical experience and vision, on the general conference theme "Strengthening Democracy in the Global Economy."

The Global Law School Program of NYU’s School of Law, which is sponsoring this event, is a unique initiative that was created in recognition that the social, political and economic systems of different nations are becoming ever more interdependent. Many leaders in academia, government, business and labor are examining how to think about democracy in the context of the global economy. Law School Dean John Sexton said, "when we were informed that President Clinton and other world leaders would be in New York for the opening of the U.N. General Assembly, we decided to bring them together with a range of experts to explore the impact on democracy and on economic growth and justice of the new global forces.

New York University School of Law is sponsoring this event in affiliation with the World Policy Institute of the New School University and the Progressive Policy Institute.

NYU President Dr. L. Jay Oliva said, "Institutions of higher learning are at the forefront of globalization, recognizing that the free flow of knowledge across borders and boundaries is critical to human progress. In the coming century, education will form the firm foundation needed for increased economic interdependence and the definition of national and human rights."

NYU’s global vision is emphasized throughout the university. Elements include foreign-based programs, exchange programs, distinguished scholars from around the world in residence, and the pioneering use of new technologies. A leader in the League of World Universities, NYU has more international students than any other U.S. university.

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09/01/98