Introducing the Global Foundation
\’Co-operative Globalisation’ in the service of the global common good
Twenty years ago, some of Australia’s leading citizens decided to confront the challenges and opportunities presented by a changing world, bringing to bear their collective talents and those of other influential global figures, for the creation of the Global Foundation – an independent, not-for-profit organisation, backed by private sector and philanthropic sponsors and a diverse membership base headquartered in Australia.
The roots of the Foundation were in the involvement of many of its key figures in the globally-recognised, citizen-led, renaissance of Melbourne in the early 1990’s. This network has grown to involve some of the most influential figures on the planet.
The Foundation enjoys the highest tax deductibility status afforded by the Australian Parliament and its Patron in Chief is the Governor General of Australia.
Since its launch by the Prime Minister of Australia in 1998, the Foundation has become a trusted global network and platform with a somewhat unique convening power, enabling people from many walks of life to meet and work together in addressing some of the greatest global challenges of our era – How do we mobilise for a fair and prosperous global economy? How do we ensure that our planet will be sustainable for current future generations? How do we ensure global food security for all?
In so doing, the Foundation chooses not to be ‘the story’, preferring to support the work of those in positions of authority and influence. Often, such initiatives derive from governments, however the Foundation distinguishes itself by working from its non-profit base, enjoying private sector and community support, while partnering with governments of the day, across the world and on a non-partisan basis.
The Foundation works closely with many significant corporate and community leaders and also with the most significant global economic institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, together with the central banks of several nations and with the leaders of faith-based institutions including, but not limited to, Pope Francis and the Vatican and the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican Communion.
In encouraging alignment and change, the Foundation strongly retains a people-based perspective, believing that change comes from within, from who we are as people and as citizens, not just from what we do in our professional roles. A strong ethical flavour percolates through all of its work.
The Global Foundation has convened and partnered in international dialogue conversations in many global locations, including in Bali, Beijing, Brisbane, Brussels, Jakarta, London, Melbourne, Noumea, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Sao Paolo, Singapore, Sydney and Washington.
These discussions have addressed major, complex global issues, including the global economy, food security, sustainability and climate policy, China’s emergence, Asia’s integration, while at the same time encouraging a culture of deeper Australian engagement with Asia and in world affairs. The Foundation’s work is characterised by three main objectives: a high level of ambition, practical outcomes and maintaining a low profile for itself.
The Rome Roundtable of the Global Foundation is its current highest level global activity, that brings together a small number of global leaders from all walks of life, to commit to change and action, through collaboration. They agree to monitor and achieve progress towards great global goals, such as the SDG’s of the UN. Entering only its 3rd iteration, the Rome Roundtable has already become a global landmark for integrated private-public sector interaction, linking business and investors, civil society, faiths and institutions, spinning off numerous programs at global and regional level.
The Global Foundation is funded entirely by a diverse base of sponsorship and membership subscriptions from the private sector and civil society and also philanthropic donations. All of its work is fully transparent and accountable, to the highest standards.
More information about the work of the Global Foundation, including testimonials from global figures, is available at http://httpsglobalfou.wpengine.com/