President Bill Clinton Inspires Students at INTI International University to Lead Positive Social Change In Their Communities

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- President Bill Clinton, honorary chancellor of Laureate International Universities, delivered a speech to more than 1,000 guests, including students, alumni and faculty as well as Malaysia's leaders in education, government and business at INTI International University November 12, 2010. During his address, President Clinton emphasized the importance of youth leadership and civic engagement worldwide.

"I agreed to be the honorary chancellor of Laureate International Universities because this is first of all a true global network of universities," said President Clinton. "Tying people together like this across national, ethnic, religious and ideological lines is key to the 21st century and our future as an interconnected world."

President Clinton called on members of the audience to contribute to solving the pressing challenges facing communities around the world. "I believe that everyone with an education should devote time or skill to solving public problems as a private citizen. This is the most exciting time in human history if we face our problems together. As important and as interesting as our differences are, our common humanity matters more."

Laureate International Universities is a global network of more than 50 leading institutions of higher education. More than 600,000 students in 24 countries are part of this international, academic community. INTI has been a member of Laureate International Universities since 2008.

As honorary chancellor of Laureate International Universities, President Clinton advises Laureate on social responsibility, youth leadership and increasing access to higher education. President Clinton has delivered his message of expanding youth leadership and civic engagement on important social issues at several institutions in the Laureate network. This was his first visit to INTI.

"We are privileged to have President Bill Clinton bring his message of community service and youth empowerment to the students, faculty and alumni of INTI International University," said Douglas L. Becker, chairman and chief executive officer of Laureate Education. "President Clinton, in his role as honorary chancellor of Laureate International Universities, continues to encourage students in the Laureate community to get involved in solving the important issues in their local communities. His message of hope and determination has inspired students throughout the Laureate network."

During his administration, President Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States (1993–2001), made the biggest investment in education in more than 30 years. His commitment to improving the quality of education in the United States helped to expand access to early education and made higher education more affordable and accessible. After leaving office, he started the William J. Clinton Foundation to empower people around the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence. Today, the foundation takes action on issues that urgently require solutions and measurable results, including climate change, HIV/AIDS in the developing world and economic development in Africa and Latin America.

In 2005, President Clinton established the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). CGI convenes global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. Since 2005, CGI annual meetings have brought together more than 125 current and former heads of state, 15 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, hundreds of leading CEOs, heads of foundations, major philanthropists, directors of the most effective nongovernmental organizations and prominent members of the media. These CGI members have made more than 1,900 commitments valued at $63 billion that have already improved the lives of nearly 300 million people in more than 170 countries.

Laureate is an active supporter of CGI. In 2008, Laureate Education made a Commitment to Action to award 1,000 scholarships to deserving teachers around the world to help them earn an advanced degree in education, business or information technology. INTI University, a participant in this program, has made a commitment to award 100 teacher scholarships. In 2010, Laureate partnered with the International Youth Foundation (IYF) to make a Commitment to Action to fully support the YouthActionNet^® Program for Young Social Entrepreneurs. The Laureate/IYF YouthActionNet^® Program for Young Social Entrepreneurs will support youth leadership development and skill-building at four Laureate International Universities network institutions.

About Laureate Education, Inc.

Laureate Education, Inc. is a trusted global leader in providing access to high-quality, innovative institutions of higher education. The Laureate International Universities network includes more than 50 accredited campus-based and online universities. Our more than 600,000 students are part of an academic community that spans 24 countries throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Laureate universities offer more than 130 undergraduate, master's and doctoral degree programs in fields including architecture, art, business, culinary arts, design, education, engineering, health sciences, hospitality, information technology, law and medicine. President William J. Clinton, 42nd President of the United States, serves as honorary chancellor of the Laureate International Universities network, a role in which he offers advice on social responsibility, youth leadership and increasing access to higher education. For more information, visit www.laureate.net.

SOURCE Laureate Education, Inc.