Clinton Global Initiative Kicks Off Discussions in Midtown

New York, NY —

The rich and powerful will be all over midtown Manhattan today and throughout the week. WNYC's Marianne McCune reports.

REPORTER: While the United Nations holds a summit on climate change, the Clinton Global Initiative kicks off its annual discussion of the world's problems, with past and present world leaders, heavy-hitters from the private sector, and Hollywood stars.

Former President Bill Clinton's foundation aims to pair people who have ideas with people who have money or power, in hopes they'll make concrete commitments to alleviate problems like poverty or global warming.

President Barack Obama is in town for both events today. Wednesday he'll address the UN General Assembly and Thursday he'll run the UN Security Council meeting. The President also appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman last night. For WNYC, I'm Marianne McCune.