The Honourable William Jefferson Clinton served as the 42nd President of the United States of America. He was elected in 1992, and again in 1996, the first Democratic president to be awarded a second term in six decades. Under his leadership, the country enjoyed the strongest economy in a generation and the longest economic expansion in U.S. history. His administration resulted in moving the nation from record deficits to record surpluses; the creation of over 22 million jobs; low levels of unemployment, poverty and crime; and the highest homeownership and college enrollment rates in history.
Following his time in Office, he established the William J. Clinton Foundation with the mission of strengthening the capacity of people in the United States and around the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence.
The Foundation has 800 staff and volunteers around the world working to improve lives through several initiatives, including the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative which is helping 1.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS access lifesaving drugs. Other initiatives include applying a business-oriented approach worldwide to fight climate change and develop sustainable economic growth in Africa and Latin America.
The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) was established in 2005 to bring together global leaders from all backgrounds, regions, and religions to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. 'CGI Asia' is the first of the Initiative's international meetings and will be held in Hong Kong in December 2008.
In recognition of his contributions to his nation and the global community, HKU has resolved to confer upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa.
