Israeli Presidential Conference
Encyclopedia
The "Israeli Presidential Conference" is a high level conference being held in Jerusalem once every 18 months under the auspice of the Israeli President and Nobel Prize
Nobel Prize
The Nobel Prizes are annual international awards bestowed by Scandinavian committees in recognition of cultural and scientific advances. The will of the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, established the prizes in 1895...
laureate, Shimon Peres
Shimon Peres
GCMG is the ninth President of the State of Israel. Peres served twice as the eighth Prime Minister of Israel and once as Interim Prime Minister, and has been a member of 12 cabinets in a political career spanning over 66 years...
. The meeting, titled "Facing Tomorrow", brings together the world top leaders and thinkers in a wide variety of fields and courses including policy, energy, science, economics, culture, art, religion and thought to navigate the most pressing global challenges ahead. In 2011 the conference will be held June 21 to 23.
History
The conference was inaugurated in May 2008 through the vision of Israel's ninth President Shimon PeresShimon Peres
GCMG is the ninth President of the State of Israel. Peres served twice as the eighth Prime Minister of Israel and once as Interim Prime Minister, and has been a member of 12 cabinets in a political career spanning over 66 years...
. His vision was to create a conference bringing together the world's best minds to examine the "tomorrow" we are all facing. To investigate the crisis' and solutions, trends and innovations, visions and ideals that are shaping our collective future by exploring actions that could and should be undertaken towards the betterment of "tomorrow" for Israel, the Jewish people and the world at large.
The aim of the conference was the development of an annual event that not only ‘talks’ but also drives action. To encourage practical initiatives intended to positively shape our future.
Previous conferences had, as speakers, a variety of global leaders, international scholars and activists, poets and scientists, artists and clergy, entrepreneurs, economists and industrialists including: George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
, Tony Blair
Tony Blair
Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is a former British Labour Party politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2 May 1997 to 27 June 2007. He was the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield from 1983 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007...
, Václav Havel
Václav Havel
Václav Havel is a Czech playwright, essayist, poet, dissident and politician. He was the tenth and last President of Czechoslovakia and the first President of the Czech Republic . He has written over twenty plays and numerous non-fiction works, translated internationally...
, Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev is a former Soviet statesman, having served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 until 1991, and as the last head of state of the USSR, having served from 1988 until its dissolution in 1991...
and Lech Kaczyński
Lech Kaczynski
Lech Aleksander Kaczyński was Polish lawyer and politician who served as the President of Poland from 2005 until 2010 and as Mayor of Warsaw from 2002 until 22 December 2005. Before he became a president, he was also a member of the party Prawo i Sprawiedliwość...
; Nobel Peace Prize Laureates including Elie Weisel and Henry Kissinger
Henry Kissinger
Heinz Alfred "Henry" Kissinger is a German-born American academic, political scientist, diplomat, and businessman. He is a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He served as National Security Advisor and later concurrently as Secretary of State in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon and...
, Nobel Prize Laureate for Chemistry Professor Ada Yonath
Ada Yonath
Ada E. Yonath is an Israeli crystallographer best known for her pioneering work on the structure of the ribosome. She is the current director of the Helen and Milton A. Kimmelman Center for Biomolecular Structure and Assembly of the Weizmann Institute of Science. In 2009, she received the Nobel...
; Rupert Murdoch
Rupert Murdoch
Keith Rupert Murdoch, AC, KSG is an Australian-American business magnate. He is the founder and Chairman and CEO of , the world's second-largest media conglomerate....
, former World Bank President James D. Wolfensohn, Professor Eva Illouz
Eva Illouz
Eva Illouz Eva Illouz Eva Illouz (born April 30, 1961 in Fes, Morocco, is a Full Professor of Sociology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.-Biography:Eva Illouz was born in Fes, Morocco, and moved to France at the age of ten....
, Baron David de Rothschild
David de Rothschild
David de Rothschild is the name of several members of the renowned family of bankers founded by Mayer Amschel Rothschild family* David René de Rothschild , French banker, head of Group Rothschild...
, economist Dominique Strauss-Kahn
Dominique Strauss-Kahn
Dominique Gaston André Strauss-Kahn , often referred to in the media, and by himself, as DSK, is a French economist, lawyer, politician, and member of the French Socialist Party...
, Governor of the Bank of Israel Stanley Fischer
Stanley Fischer
Stanley "Stan" Fischer is an American-Israeli economist and the current Governor of the Bank of Israel. He previously served as Chief Economist at the World Bank.-Biography:...
, Yahoo! CEO Susan Decker
Susan Decker
Susan Lynne Decker served as president of Yahoo! Inc in 2007 and 2008, leading the operations of the company during Jerry Yang's reign as CEO.-Early history and personal life:...
, Google Founder Sergei Brin, Wikipedia Founder Jimmy Wales
Jimmy Wales
Jimmy Donal "Jimbo" Wales is an American Internet entrepreneur best known as a co-founder and promoter of the online non-profit encyclopedia Wikipedia and the Wikia company....
, futurist Ray Kurzweil, philosopher and writer Bernard Henri-Levy, Abby Joseph Cohen
Abby Joseph Cohen
Abby Joseph Cohen is an American economist and financial analyst on Wall Street. She is a partner and——Senior U.S. investment strategist at Goldman Sachs. Prior to that date, she was Chief Investment Strategist...
, Professor Ruth Gavison
Ruth Gavison
Ruth Gavison is an Israeli Law professor at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. She is also a Senior Fellow Emeritus at the Israel Democracy Institute...
, Professor Michael Walzer
Michael Walzer
Michael Walzer is a prominent American political philosopher and public intellectual. A professor emeritus at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, he is co-editor of Dissent, an intellectual magazine that he has been affiliated with since his years as an undergraduate at...
, writer Amos Oz
Amos Oz
Amos Oz is an Israeli writer, novelist, and journalist. He is also a professor of literature at Ben-Gurion University in Be'er Sheva....
, filmmaker Claude Lanzmann
Claude Lanzmann
Claude Lanzmann is a French filmmaker and professor at European Graduate School in Saas-Fee, Switzerland.-Biography:Lanzmann attended the Lycée Blaise-Pascal in Clermont-Ferrand. He joined the French resistance at the age of 18 and fought in Auvergne...
, conductor Zubin Mehta
Zubin Mehta
Zubin Mehta is an Indian conductor of western classical music. He is the Music Director for Life of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.-Biography:...
and many more.
Conference Structure
Each conference assembles heads of state, thinkers and people of action, poets and scientists, artists and clergy, businessmen and entrepreneurs, as well as representatives of the next generation of leaders - promising young people with immense talent and originality. The deliberations of the select group of the world’s best minds take place in the Conference’s plenary meetings and within a diverse array of panels dedicated to a wide range of significant issuesEach conference consists of plenary sessions, distinct panels, and an exhibition.
The 2008 Conference Steering Committee partnered with The Jewish Policy Planning Institute to develop and produce the conference.
The 2009 and 2011 Steering Committees partnered with The Hebrew University of Jerusalem to develop and produce the conference.
The Israeli Presidential Conference 2008 Facing Tomorrow
The 2008 Presidential Conference is multifaceted and thus represented the myriad challenges facing Israel, the Jewish people and the world in general on the exciting path towards the future. The conference was structured in a manner that allowed participants to take their own course of exploration and interaction with the fields which most appeal to them.Topics of discussion
- THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD ECONOMY
- IS THE GEOPOLITICAL ARENA NEARING A TIPPING POINT?
- CLASH OF CIVILIZATIONS OR CLASHES WITHIN CIVILIZATIONS?
- IS JEWISH CIVILIZATION THRIVING OR DECLINING?
- JEWISH EDUCATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY: IS IT IMPORTANT?
- HOW CAN THE JEWISH PEOPLE STRENGTHEN ITS FRIENDSHIP WITH THE CHINESE GIANT?
- THE CHALLENGE OF JEWISH-ARAB COEXISTENCE IN ISRAEL
- BLUE, WHITE AND GREEN: IS A GREEN ISRAEL POSSIBLE?
- FOREIGN POLICY: STRATEGIC DILEMMAS AND MORAL CONSIDERATIONS
Selected speakers from 2008
- Mikhail GorbachevMikhail GorbachevMikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev is a former Soviet statesman, having served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 until 1991, and as the last head of state of the USSR, having served from 1988 until its dissolution in 1991...
- George W. BushGeorge W. BushGeorge Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
- Sergey BrinSergey BrinSergey Mikhaylovich Brin is a Russian-born American computer scientist and internet entrepreneur who, with Larry Page, co-founded Google, one of the largest internet companies. , his personal wealth is estimated to be $16.7 billion....
- Rupert Keith Murdoch
- Henry KissingerHenry KissingerHeinz Alfred "Henry" Kissinger is a German-born American academic, political scientist, diplomat, and businessman. He is a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He served as National Security Advisor and later concurrently as Secretary of State in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon and...
- Eli Wiesel
- Tony BlairTony BlairAnthony Charles Lynton Blair is a former British Labour Party politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2 May 1997 to 27 June 2007. He was the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield from 1983 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007...
- Ehud OlmertEhud OlmertEhud Olmert is an Israeli politician and lawyer. He served as Prime Minister of Israel from 2006 to 2009, as a Cabinet Minister from 1988 to 1992 and from 2003 to 2006, and as Mayor of Jerusalem from 1993 to 2003....
- Susan DeckerSusan DeckerSusan Lynne Decker served as president of Yahoo! Inc in 2007 and 2008, leading the operations of the company during Jerry Yang's reign as CEO.-Early history and personal life:...
- Lech KaczynskiLech KaczynskiLech Aleksander Kaczyński was Polish lawyer and politician who served as the President of Poland from 2005 until 2010 and as Mayor of Warsaw from 2002 until 22 December 2005. Before he became a president, he was also a member of the party Prawo i Sprawiedliwość...
- Dominique Strauss-KahnDominique Strauss-KahnDominique Gaston André Strauss-Kahn , often referred to in the media, and by himself, as DSK, is a French economist, lawyer, politician, and member of the French Socialist Party...
- Vaclav HavelVáclav HavelVáclav Havel is a Czech playwright, essayist, poet, dissident and politician. He was the tenth and last President of Czechoslovakia and the first President of the Czech Republic . He has written over twenty plays and numerous non-fiction works, translated internationally...
Exhibition: “Tomorrow’s Spaces”
Those who wish to shape tomorrow face myriad challenges: developing alternative energy sources, conserving Nature’s resources, prolonging and improving human life and much more. One can find Israeli initiatives aiming to address nearly every one of these challenges. “Tomorrow’s Spaces” is a selection of the most mature ideas, those already in various stages of implementation and with proven concepts. Ideas that purport to provide a unique, pioneering solution to the problems and challenges they seek to address. Of the hundreds of applications the panel of judges reviewed, sixty projects were selected.The Israeli Presidential Conference 2009 Facing Tomorrow: Our Mutual Tomorrow
The year 2009 presented numerous major crises and difficult dilemmas that demand action: the economic crisis, ecological deterioration, instability in the Middle East, Iran’s continuous efforts to acquire nuclear weapons and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The impacts of these issues are far-reaching at the levels of national security, community life and the individual. The discussions investigated the parameters of the various crises, assessed the threats and opportunities that may surface, and considered the policies and decisions that should be implemented to address these grave challenges. The speakers and organizers focused on ways we can make today’s crises an opportunity - a gateway for positive change on our journey towards tomorrow.Topics of discussion
2009 Topics- Looking Towards Tomorrow- Turning Crisis into Opportunity
- Islam: Between Moderation and Extremism
- Tomorrow's Cities: How can we build sustainable and functioning cities?
- Coping with the Iranian challenge
- The Jewish World and the Global Economic Crisis
- Jewish Peoplehood – A Unity of Opposites
- Is "Jewish Continuity" just a Slogan?
- Israel 2020 – The Visions of our Leaders
- Will We Ever See Peace in Our Region?
- Israel as a Global Hub
Speakers
- Tony BlairTony BlairAnthony Charles Lynton Blair is a former British Labour Party politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2 May 1997 to 27 June 2007. He was the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield from 1983 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007...
- Susan Rice
- Jimmy WalesJimmy WalesJimmy Donal "Jimbo" Wales is an American Internet entrepreneur best known as a co-founder and promoter of the online non-profit encyclopedia Wikipedia and the Wikia company....
- Ray Kurzweil
- Benjamin NetanyahuBenjamin NetanyahuBenjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu is the current Prime Minister of Israel. He serves also as the Chairman of the Likud Party, as a Knesset member, as the Health Minister of Israel, as the Pensioner Affairs Minister of Israel and as the Economic Strategy Minister of Israel.Netanyahu is the first and, to...
- Bernard Henri Levy
- Josh Silverman
- Axel A. WeberAxel A. WeberAxel Alfred Weber is a German economist, professor and banker. He teaches at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and is a board member and prospective chairman of UBS...
- James D. Wolfensohn
- Stanley FischerStanley FischerStanley "Stan" Fischer is an American-Israeli economist and the current Governor of the Bank of Israel. He previously served as Chief Economist at the World Bank.-Biography:...
Exhibition: “Tomorrow’s Industries”
"Tomorrow's Industries"In cooperation with The Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute, The Israeli Presidential Conference hosted an array of handpicked initiatives - the fruits of revolutionary and courageous Israel inventors and entrepreneurs. The initiatives featured provided the Israeli Presidential Conference participants as well as an Israeli and global audience, a glimpse of the huge potential concealed in modern Israeli industries – its innovation, creativity, and even the "blessed chutzpah" that are - in the words of President Peres "illustrating the Israeli face of tomorrow"
- Alternative Energy
- Water Technology
- Stem Cells
- Advanced Learning Applications
- Anti-Terror Countering Solutions
- Information and Communications Technology
The Israeli Presidential Conference 2011 Facing Tomorrow: A thriving tomorrow or a declining tomorrow?
The Conference will take place at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem, attended by approximately 3500 people from around the world. During the two and half days, 200 of the world’s best minds (half from abroad) will embody the Conference’s plenary sessions and remarkably diverse array of panels, dedicated to designing a better tomorrow.Panels
- From Cairo to Tehran – Will we miss the "old" Middle East?
- Resetting the Global Order?
- Stopping Nuclear Proliferation - Reality or Illusion?
- How well does the Science of Economics Understand Economics?
- The Economic Future - Is Pessimism the new Optimism?
- A Hungry and Thirsty World – How can we feed 7 billion people?
- Space: Mystery, Opportunity, and Danger
- The University of Tomorrow
- Cutting-Edge Medicine – so what will kill us tomorrow?
- The Drama of Brain Research in the 21st Century
- Crossing the Border: Dilemmas of Migration in Today's Global Village
- Thin Ice – Criticism vs. Loyalty in Israel-Diaspora Relations
- The Jewish Dimension of a Peace Agreement
- Where is Jewish Philanthropy Headed?
- The Future of European Jewry – Thriving or in Decline?
- Jewish Identity: the Young Generation vs. Ancient Tradition
- Conversion: Who Keeps the Gate for the Jewish Nation?
- Israel and the Diaspora: Relationship Among Equals?
- Contemporary Israeli Art – Looking at Tomorrow
- Visions of Jerusalem
- Can Co-Existence Exist in Israel’s Mixed Cities?
- De-legitimization: Who is at Fault? Them or us?
- The Israeli Economy - A Small Leading Market?
- Israeli Wealth: Does a Minority Monopolize the Economy?
- Israel and America – Has the Love Cooled?
- Inter-Generational Dialogue
- In-Depth Discussions with Renowned Leaders, Statesmen and Economists.
Plenary
Designed as conference wide events to challenge participants on global questions of tomorrow.- Looking Towards Tomorrow
- Tomorrow’s Ride: Energy Options for the Future
- Who Will Triumph in the Marketing Battle of Tomorrow?
- The New Media - New Challenges, New Dilemmas
- Where is the Global Economy Heading?
Speakers
- Tony BlairTony BlairAnthony Charles Lynton Blair is a former British Labour Party politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2 May 1997 to 27 June 2007. He was the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield from 1983 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007...
- Henry KissingerHenry KissingerHeinz Alfred "Henry" Kissinger is a German-born American academic, political scientist, diplomat, and businessman. He is a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He served as National Security Advisor and later concurrently as Secretary of State in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon and...
- Leo ApothekerLeo ApothekerLéo Apotheker is the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, having served in that position from November 2010 to 22nd September 2011, and the former CEO of SAP AG, having served in that position from April 2008 to February 2010...
- Eric MaskinEric MaskinEric Stark Maskin is an American economist and Nobel laureate recognized with Leonid Hurwicz and Roger Myerson "for having laid the foundations of mechanism design theory." He is the Albert O...
- Abby Joseph CohenAbby Joseph CohenAbby Joseph Cohen is an American economist and financial analyst on Wall Street. She is a partner and——Senior U.S. investment strategist at Goldman Sachs. Prior to that date, she was Chief Investment Strategist...
- Rene Obermann
- Christine LagardeChristine LagardeChristine Madeleine Odette Lagarde is a French lawyer and the managing director of the International Monetary Fund since July 5, 2011...
- Irwin CotlerIrwin CotlerIrwin Cotler, PC, OC, MP was Canada's Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada from 2003 until the Liberal government of Paul Martin lost power following the 2006 federal election. He was first elected to the Canadian House of Commons for the constituency of Mount Royal in a by-election...
- Niall FergusonNiall FergusonNiall Campbell Douglas Ferguson is a British historian. His specialty is financial and economic history, particularly hyperinflation and the bond markets, as well as the history of colonialism.....
- Bernard-Henri LévyBernard-Henri LévyBernard-Henri Lévy is a French public intellectual, philosopher and journalist. Often referred to today, in France, simply as BHL, he was one of the leaders of the "Nouveaux Philosophes" movement in 1976.-Early life:...
- Maurice LevyMaurice LevyMaurice Levy may refer to:*Maurice Lévy, French engineer*Sir Maurice Levy, 1st Baronet, British Member of Parliament for Loughborough; one of the Levy Baronets*Maurice Lévy , French advertising magnate...
- Ayaan Hirsi AliAyaan Hirsi AliAyaan Hirsi Magan Ali is a Somali-Dutch feminist and atheist activist, writer, politician who strongly opposes circumcision and female genital cutting. She is the daughter of the Somali politician and opposition leader Hirsi Magan Isse and is a founder of the women's rights organisation the AHA...
- Tom RogersTom RogersThomas Andrew Rogers was a Major League Baseball pitcher from 1917 to 1921 for the St. Louis Browns, Philadelphia Athletics, and New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Shotgun", Rogers was involved in an incident in 1916 in which he accidentally killed an opposing batter...
- James D. Wolfensohn
- Peter LoscherPeter LöscherPeter Löscher is an Austrian manager and former President, Global Human Health at global pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Siemens AG on May 20, 2007 as the successor of Klaus Kleinfeld, and was selected to take on the new position on July 1, 2007...
- Ivan SeidenbergIvan SeidenbergIvan Seidenberg was the Chairman and CEO of Verizon Communications. He is also the current Chairman of the Business Roundtable. Effective Aug. 1, Lowell McAdam, currently President and COO of Verizon Communications, will succeed Seidenberg as CEO...
- Sarah SilvermanSarah SilvermanSarah Kate Silverman is a Jewish American comedian, writer, actress, singer and musician. Her satirical comedy addresses social taboos and controversial topics such as racism, sexism, and religion....
- Martin SorrellMartin SorrellSir Martin Sorrell is an English businessman and the chief executive officer of WPP Group. He has served in that role since he started the company.-Biography:...
- Jean-Claude TrichetJean-Claude TrichetJean-Claude Trichet is a French civil servant who was the president of the European Central Bank, a position he held from 2003 to 2011. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank for International Settlements...
- David TrimbleDavid TrimbleWilliam David Trimble, Baron Trimble, PC , is a politician from Northern Ireland. He served as Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party , was the first First Minister of Northern Ireland , and was a Member of the British Parliament . He is currently a life peer for the Conservative Party...
- Jimmy WalesJimmy WalesJimmy Donal "Jimbo" Wales is an American Internet entrepreneur best known as a co-founder and promoter of the online non-profit encyclopedia Wikipedia and the Wikia company....