Former President of Brazil, 1995-2003

A leading Latin American politician and sociologist, President Cardoso applies his unique experiences in Brazil to the broader world spectrum and emerging democracies of today.

46th Vice President of the United States; Secretary of Defense; Congressman, House Leadership; White House Chief of Staff; Chairman and CEO of Halliburton

For over 40 years, Dick Cheney has served at the highest levels of the US Government and private sector. As White House Chief of Staff in the aftermath of Watergate and America’s withdrawal from Vietnam, Wyoming’s Congressman and a member of the House Republican leadership during the Reagan years, Secretary of Defense as the Cold War ended and America defeated Iraq in Desert Storm, CEO of Halliburton, and Vice President of the United States on 9/11 at the dawn of the Global War on Terror, Cheney has participated in many of the events that have shaped our nation for over four decades. Few Americans alive today can match the breadth and depth of his experience and service.

As a statesman, policymaker, businessman, and politician – who never lost an election in which his name was on the ballot--Cheney’s insight, experiences and knowledge are unparalleled.

Founder, The William J. Clinton Foundation; 42^nd President of the United States of America

Bill Clinton was elected President of the United States in 1992, and again in 1996—the first Democratic president to be awarded a second term in six decades. President Clinton’s core values of building community, creating opportunity, and demanding responsibility resulted in unprecedented progress for America.

52nd Governor of New York State

Known as an intellectual, passionate, and challenging voice for democracy, social responsibility, and diversity, Governor Mario Cuomo reminds us of our collective American legacy.

Chairman, Senate Committee of Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, 1995-1999; United States Senator, 1981-1999

A legendary defender of the Middle Class and fighter of bureaucracy, Alfonse D'Amato questions our bi-partisan society and how Washington will maintain thoughtful representation of the people.

Member of President Obama's Economic Advisory Panel ; 27th Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission; Former Chairman and CEO, New York Stock Exchange; Former, U.S. Undersecretary of State

As one of the members of President Obama's high-profile Economic Recovery Advisory Board, and with his experience as Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is perhaps the most important rule-making authority for U.S. financial markets, William Donaldson is one of the most sought-after speakers regarding the current state of the economy and prospects for the road to recovery.

Chairman and CEO of Forbes Media; Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Magazine; Republican Candidate for President, 1996 and 2000

As Chairman and CEO of Forbes Inc. and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Magazine, Steve Forbes is front and center on the economic challenges that we all face. Making frequent appearances on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News, Mr. Forbes has become the voice of calm in these turbulent economic times.

Internationally Bestselling Authors of FREAKONOMICS and SUPERFREAKONOMICS; FREAKONOMICS Spent Over 2 Years on The New York Times Bestseller List, With More Than 4 Million Copies Sold Worldwide; Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner's Popular FREAKONOMICS Blog is Hosted Exclusively on The New York Times Website

Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner are the much heralded authors of the internationally bestselling book FREAKONOMICS and the highly anticipated follow-up SUPERFREAKONOMICS. The Freakonomics Phenomenon has put this dynamic duo at the top of meeting planners lists across the globe. Dazzling audiences with their wry and unconventional insights, Levitt and Dubner offer story after story, with research backing each theory, that address ways to create behavior change and show what incentives work and don't work.

18th Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, 2003-2007; U.S. Senator from Tennessee, 1995-2007; Heart-Lung Transplant Surgeon; Leading Voice on the Healthcare Debate; Board Member, Clinton Bush Haiti Fund; Co-chair, Partnership for a healthier America; Founder, Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE)

Doctor and Senator Bill Frist is both a nationally recognized heart and lung transplant surgeon and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader. Currently Professor of Business and Medicine at Vanderbilt University, he is uniquely qualified to discuss the challenges and solutions in health care policy. Senator Frist is consistently recognized among the most influential leaders in American healthcare and is one of only two individuals to rank in the top ten of each of the five inaugural Modern Healthcare Magazine annual surveys of the most powerful people in healthcare in the United States.

Assistant to President George W. Bush for Policy & Strategic Planning, 2005-2006; Assistant to the President for Speechwriting and Policy Advisor, 2002-2005; Washington Post Op-Ed Columnist; Former Senior Fellow, U.S. Council on Foreign Relations; Senior Research Fellow, Center on Faith & International Affairs at the Institute for Global Engagement

Michael Gerson has been called one of President Bush’s most trusted advisors, the most influential presidential speechwriter in almost a half-century and the conscience of the White House. As a senior administration official who has participated in some of the most important events of recent history, he brings a broad perspective, and strong and informed views, to the political and policy debates of the day.

Long-standing champions of health care reform, Howard Dean and Bill Frist engage in a lively debate on  the necessity and challenges ahead for one of the Obama administration’s top priorities: tackling health care reform.

Former Presidential candidates Fred Thompson and Howard Dean face off  in a rousing program on the issues of the day, including healthcare reform, the stimulus plan, foreign policy, the future of American politics and more.

Karen Hughes and Howard Dean face off in a rousing program on the major domestic and foreign policy issues of the day, including healthcare reform, the stimulus plan, foreign policy, political commentary and more.

Dean, Columbia Business School; Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors under President George W. Bush, 2001-2003

An economic advisor to Presidents, a well-respected Dean and Professor, R. Glenn Hubbard has been the architect of policies that affect millions. His groundbreaking research in the areas of tax policy, monetary economics, international finance and corporate finance has earned him international acclaim as a leader in economic theory and application.  A prolific writer, he rises at 4 a.m. to pen research papers and op–eds that regularly appear in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. He’s a frequent guest on such programs as NPR's Marketplace and PBS's Nightly Business Report.

Counselor to President George W. Bush, 2001-2002; Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, 2005-2007; Global Vice Chair of Burson-Marsteller

Karen Hughes is a senior strategist helping business leaders strengthen their corporate/CEO reputations, achieve business goals through effective communications and shape positive public and stakeholder perceptions. She has also been described as "the most powerful woman ever to serve in the White House" (Dallas Morning News) and "the most powerful public diplomacy czar in decades" (The Boston Globe). As Under Secretary of State, she traveled to more than 50 countries, meeting world leaders and reaching out to international audiences.

President of Poland, 1995-2005; Co-Founder of the Social Democratic Party; Distinguished Scholar in the Practice of Global Leadership, Georgetown University, 2006

One of the most influential political figures to come out of Eastern Europe since the fall of communism, President Aleksander Kwasniewski is a powerful voice in the debate over the economic and political future of the former Eastern Bloc nations, including Russia and Poland; the political and economic success of these emerging democracies; and such relevant issues as energy reserves and oil.

Bestselling Author, FREAKONOMICS and SUPERFREAKONOMICS; FREAKONOMICS Spent Over 2 Years on The New York Times Bestseller List, With More Than 4 Million Copies Sold Worldwide; The Popular FREAKONOMICS Blog is Hosted Exclusively on The New York Times Website

Co-Author of the Phenomenal Bestselling Business Book FREAKONOMICS, and Winner of the highly esteemed John Bates Clark Medal, as the most influential economist in America under the age of 40, Steven D. Levitt not only discusses the financial crisis in simple terms that anyone can understand, he also works with businesses to apply his FREAKONOMICS approach (combining data, economic theory, and unorthodox thinking) to the business world.

SUPERFREAKONOMICS, the highly anticipated follow-up to FREAKONOMICS was released on October 20, 2009. SUPERFREAKONOMICS offers an entirely new set of lessons to be learned. The book will delve into the biggest issues of our time, such as healthcare, terrorism, global warming, the current financial crisis, and much more. A full-blown media and book tour will begin in October and Steven Levitt, along with co-author Stephen Dubner, will be featured on some of the nation's most watched programs, such as Good Morning America, 20/20, Charlie Rose,  and many more, as everyone wants to hear what new wisdom will be revealed in SUPERFREAKONOMICS!

Former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush; Author, Courage and Consequence ; Fox News Contributor; Wall Street Journal Columnist; Newsweek Columnist

Sponsors hosting Karl Rove's lectures have reported that he is "provocative, lively and thoughtful" (Nomura) with crowds being "very responsive, often erupting in applause" (Wabash College). Karl Rove has been described by respected author and columnist Michael Barone in US News & World Report as “unique...no Presidential appointee has ever had such a strong influence on politics and policy, and none is likely to do so again anytime soon.” A key member of the President’s inner circle, he has been called a master strategist whose “game has always been long term,” says columnist David Broder, “and he plays it with an intensity and attention to detail that few can match.” He was ranked #1 on both the Telegraph.co.uk’s List of the “50 Most Influential Political Pundits in America” and New York Magazine's “Most Popular Political Pundit Index.” As a Fox News contributor, Karl provides a “genuine feel of inside knowledge,” says David Zurawik, a television critic for The Baltimore Sun.

Chancellor of Germany, 1998-2005

The twice-elected leader of Germany, Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has been a major force on the world’s political stage for nearly a decade. Known for his charismatic delivery and unparalleled insights, Chancellor Schröder is a leading world statesman and internationally recognized authority on global relations, economic development and social change.

Member of President Obama's Economic Advisory Panel; National Economic Advisor to President Clinton, 1995-1996 ; First Female Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisors, 1993-1995 ; First Female Dean, London Business School, 2002 - 2006; S.K. and Angela Chan Professor of Global Management, Haas School of Business, Present

Laura D’Andrea Tyson is a member of President Obama's Economic Advisory Panel, where she is an integral part of a team of advisors assessing the measures needed to get the U.S. economy back on track. As a speaker, Dr. Tyson articulates global economic issues and the real world challenges and solutions facing world markets today. Offering unfailingly frank, direct and principled advice, Dr. Tyson forecasts economic trends for specific industry sectors, prospects for world trade and international markets.

Leading Expert in Healthcare Policy & Economics; Sol C. Chaikin Professor of National Health Policy, Brandeis University; Founder, Council on Health Care Economics & Policy

As one of the nation's leading experts in healthcare policy and economics, Stuart Altman has confronted some of the most critical problems existing in federal health policy. The Sol C. Chaikin Professor of National Health Policy at The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Dr. Altman is an economist whose research interests are primarily in the areas of federal health policy. His work spans decades and covers most of the policy issues that have and continue to impact all areas of nursing and healthcare delivery, as well as point to the future of healthcare delivery in the new millennium.

Sid Richardson Chair in Public Affairs, Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas; Commission of Social Security Administration (1997-2001)

As Social Security comes to the forefront of the national agenda, former Commissioner of Social Security Kenneth Apfel is a leading voice in an increasingly heated debate surrounding the Bush administration’s proposals to privatize the system. Apfel is one of the foremost experts on the complexities of the Social Security system. He has testified before the U.S. Congress, appeared on numerous national television news programs, authored two op-eds, and been quoted in dozens of newspapers. In Apfel’s opinion, Social Security faces long-term challenges but is not in crisis. He disagrees with the Bush administration’s proposals to shift the benefit structure toward individual investment in the stock market, which he says would jeopardize the program’s stability.

Senior Economist of the National Center for Policy Analysis

An unapologetic advocate of free enterprise and privatization, Barry Asmus is recognized as a revolutionary thinker who delivers his ideas in an energy-filled entertaining presentation. He doesn’t just talk policy – he makes it happen. A Senior Economist for the National Center for Policy Analysis, Asmus has directly influenced how world leaders approach social security, health care, monetary and fiscal policy and other equally complex issues. With presentations customized to reflect your particular economic policy needs, Asmus helps audiences understand major policy issues – without all the jargon.

Karen Hughes and Dee Dee Myers face off in a rousing program on the major domestic and foreign policy issues of the day, on the issues of the day, offering an insider's perspective on the White House as they address the challenges facing the New Administration, including healthcare reform, the stimulus plan, foreign policy, political commentary and more.

Karl Rove and Dee Dee Myers face off in a rousing program on the major domestic and foreign policy issues of the day, on the issues of the day, offering an insider's perspective on the White House as they address the challenges facing the New Administration, including healthcare reform, the stimulus plan, foreign policy, political commentary and more.

Myers: White House Press Secretary, 1993-1994; Cheney: High Profile Political Commentator

Liz Cheney and Dee Dee Myers face off in a rousing program on the major domestic and foreign policy issues of the day, offering an insider's perspective on the White House as they address the challenges facing the Obama Administration, including healthcare reform, the stimulus plan, foreign policy, political commentary and more.

Editor-in-Chief, Health Affairs; Analyst on Health, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer

A noted journalist, Susan Dentzer brings expert analysis to the state of healthcare today, as well as her extensive experience reporting on every public and private healthcare trend in recent memory to present to audiences a complete and concise picture of where we’ve been, where we are headed and the potential economic and policy implications of the current proposals being considered.

MIT Professor; Former Director, Central Intelligence Agency; Former Undersecretary, U.S. Department of Energy; Board of Directors, Cheniere Energy

Former Undersecretary for the U.S. Department of Energy, John Deutch is world renowned in studies on energy and the environment. Mr. Deutch has published over 140 technical publications in physical chemistry, as well as numerous publications on technology, energy, international security, and public policy issues. In his speeches Dr. Deutch brings his academic training and government experience to cover topics as diverse as world security, technology and energy.

Chairman of the Board - National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA); Director - Richards, Layton & Finger; Columnist, www.opinionjournal.com; Former US Congressman, Governor and Republican Candidate for President

Columnist George Will said about du Pont, "du Pont has the highest substance-to-blather ratio among candidates, even on subjects as sensitive as agriculture policy and Social Security." Newsweek observed that, "What is consistent and refreshing in his positions is that they confront big, difficult choices and offer clear, unhedged answers."

Member of President Obama's Economic Advisory Recovery Board ; Chairman, Council of Economic Advisors, 1982-1984; George F. Baker Professor of Economics, Harvard University; President Emeritus, The National Bureau of Economic Research

One of the most brilliant economists at work today, Martin Feldstein understands the impact and influence of government’s role in monetary policy – from the inside out. President Reagan's chief economic adviser Martin Feldstein helps audiences understand what lies in wait for the world’s economic future.

Professor of Political Economy, Harvard University; Former Chairman, Department of Economics at Harvard University; Renowned Economic Author

Benjamin Friedman has written extensively on economic policy, and in particular on the role of the financial markets in shaping how monetary and fiscal policies affect overall economic activity. He is the author and/or editor of eleven books aimed primarily at economists and economic policymakers, as well as the author of more than one hundred articles on monetary economics, macroeconomics, and monetary and fiscal policy, published in numerous journals. He is also a frequent contributor to publications reaching a broader audience, including especially The New York Review of Books

Lloyd M. Bentsen Jr. Chair in Government/Business Relations and Professor of Government; Economist

Noted economist James Galbraith is a frequent commentator on economic and political issues in the media. He regularly writes a column for the Texas Observer and TheStreet.com, as well authoring op-ed pieces for The New York Times and Washington Post.

Chairman Emeritus, Manhattan Institutes Center for Civic Innovation; Two Term Mayor of Indianapolis; Chairman, Corporation for National and Community Service; Daniel Paul Professor of Government at Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government

Overall, American governments from the White House to City Hall are enduring their worst fiscal crisis since World War II. According to Stephen Goldsmith, two term Mayor of Indianapolis and noted expert on privatization of government services to get and keep costs under control, this time the crisis is permanent. On one side are skyrocketing costs for health care, Social Security and pensions. On the other is opposition to tax increases. In his speeches, Goldsmith offers a clear, step-by-step roadmap for change, offering concrete solutions drawn from his experience leading America’s 12th largest city and advising public institutions.

Two-Time Governor of Florida; Three-Time U.S. Senator; 2004 Presidential Candidate; Co-Chair, Bipartisan Presidential Commission Investigating the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Senator Bob Graham is the former two–term governor of Florida and served for 18 years in the United States Senate. This is combined with 12 years in the Florida legislature for a total of 38 years of public service. As Governor and Senator, Bob Graham was a centrist, committed to bringing his colleagues together behind programs that served the broadest public interest. He was recognized by the people of Florida when he received an 83% approval ranking as he concluded eight years as Governor. Senator Graham retired from public service in January 2005, following his Presidential campaign in 2004. He is recognized for his leadership on issues ranging from healthcare, environmental preservation and education, to his ten years of service on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He continues his government service as President Obama’s choice to co-chair the Bi-Partisan Commission on the Mexican Oil Spill.

Liz Cheney- High Profile Political Commentator; Founder and Chairman, KeepAmericaSafe.com ; Governor Howard Dean- CNBC Contributor; Founder, Democracy for America

Two of the most outspoken voices in American politics, Howard Dean and Liz Cheney face off in a rousing program on the issues of the day, including healthcare, deficit spending, foreign policy and more.

Graham: Two-Time Governor of Florida, Three-Time U.S. Senator, 2004 Presidential Candidate; ; Rove: Former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush, Author of Courage and Consequence, Fox News Contributor, and Wall Street Journal and Newsweek Columnist

Bob Graham and Karl Rove face off in a rousing program on the major domestic and foreign policy issues of the day, on the issues of the day, offering an insider's perspective on the White House as they address the challenges facing the Obama Administration, including the economy, healthcare, foreign policy, political commentary and more.

3-Time Republican Presidential Candidate

Alan Keyes' powerful conservative message resonates for Americans from all walks of life and every geographic region, who share his vision of a morally based government founded on the principles embodied in our nation's Declaration of Independence.

As a former leader of one of the world's greatest cities, Ed Koch brings a fresh perspective on the politics, interests, cultures, and concerns that shape the lives of American citizens.

Executive Editor, Roll Call; Author, Saving Milly: Love, Politics and Parkinson’s Disease

As a Washington journalist since the early '60s, Mort Kondracke’s observations and amusing anecdotes possess the weight of his considerable experience. In his speeches, he'll tell you what's going on in Washington and what changes the next elections might bring.

Professor of Economics, Boston University; Research Associate, National Bureau of Economic Research; President, Economic Security Planning, Inc.

Professor Kotlikoff speaks to hundreds of U.S. and foreign businesses and government groups about economic and policy issues, both domestic and foreign. His talks cover a very wide range of micro and macro topics.

Pulitzer Prize Winner for Distinguished Commentary; Washington Post columnist; Fox News contributor

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Commentary and named by the Financial Times the most influential commentator in America, Charles Krauthammer breathes new life into tired debates, offering clear and compelling arguments that everyone else overlooks.

Host of CNBC’s Kudlow & Company; Host of WABC radio’s The Larry Kudlow Show; Founder and CEO of Kudlow and Company, LLC

Lawrence Kudlow is a familiar face in Washington and on Wall Street -- a renowned free market, supply-side economist armed with knowledge, vision, and integrity acquired over a storied career spanning three decades. He is consistently ranked one of the nation’s premier and most accurate economic forecasters according to The Wall Street Journal’s semiannual forecasting survey.

Economic advisor to the Reagan Administration; Popularized the “Laffer Curve”

Arthur Laffer is a supply side economist who became influential during the Reagan administration as a member of Reagan's Economic Policy Advisory Board (1981-1989). Laffer is the author and co-author of many books and newspaper articles, including Supply Side Economics: Financial Decision-Making for the 80s.

Vice President of the United States; U.S. Ambassador to Japan; U.S. Senator; Attorney General for the State of Minnesota.; 1984 presidential candidate for the Democratic Party; Partner, Dorsey & Whitney LLP

U.S. Senator, Vice President of the United States, Presidential Candidate and Ambassador to Japan, Walter Mondale has commanded a seat on the world’s center state since 1964 when he assumed Hubert H. Humphrey’s senate seat.

Director-General, World Trade Organization, 1999-2002; Prime Minister, New Zealand, 1990; Authority on Leadership, Global Affairs, Trade, Democracy, China, Asia, Emerging Markets, Government Relations and WTO.

Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and recently stepped down Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Mike Moore has had a long and distinguished career in politics and has been the driving force behind important changes in the WTO in the last three years.

Author; Consultant ; President Emeritus, Institute For The Future

With his eye firmly focused on the horizon, futurist Ian Morrison looks at where we’re going and how to plan for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Using the present to discover implications for the future, Ian Morrison helps audiences plan for long-term success by identifying the driving forces shaping their destiny. Drawing on cutting-edge research and practical experience as a consultant in the field, Morrison helps audiences recognize the unexpected opportunities that transform an organization, an industry or a life.

Former Prime Minister of Jamaica

As the longest serving Prime Minister in Jamaica, Percival Patterson presided over the unprecedented modernization and transformation of the economic, social and political landscape of the country.

Senior Associate and Director, China Program, Carnegie Endowment; Expert in China, Taiwan, East Asia and Democracy

The rise of China as a great power is one of the most important developments in the twenty-first century. But despite dramatic economic progress, China’s prospects remain uncertain. Minxin Pei examines the sustainability of the Chinese Communist Party’s reform strategy—pursuing pro-market economic policies under one-party rule. Combining powerful insights with empirical research, Minxin Pei offers a provocative assessment of China’s future as a great power.

Economist ; Principal Advisor to the European Union on Economic Development, Energy Security and Climate Change Policy ; President, Foundation on Economic Trends; Bestselling Author, The End of Work and The Age of Access; Fellow, Wharton School’s Executive Education Program

Jeremy Rifkin and his ideas are not without controversy. The author of seventeen books on the impact of scientific and technological changes on the economy, the workforce, society and the environment, Mr. Rifkin advocates a new type of economic thinking. He is a proponent of sustainable development, quality of life and the nurturing of community. His books have been translated into more than thirty languages and are used in hundreds of universities, corporations and government agencies around the world. Mr. Rifkin is one of the highest rated speakers on the international lecture circuit on the topics of globalization, sustainability and shifting to a new energy era and low-carbon economy. CNN-International is airing a documentary on his Third Industrial Revolution vision for their program Principal Voices.  Click here to view the trailer.

Former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany; European Economy Expert

Chancellor Schmidt reflects on the geopolitical order as a derivative of international economic conditions. His insights into the EMU and recent economic crises around the world help corporations and governments secure their investments for the decades ahead.

Expert, Social Security and Retirement; Chairman of CarriageOaks Partners LLC

Perhaps the most trusted voice on Social Security and retirement finance reform both in the United States and many other regions of the world, William Shipman enlightens audiences on a potential crisis of international proportions that is going largely unnoticed. The rapid increase of the elderly population, combined with support systems that are unprepared to handle this unprecedented shift, have put our living standards, international strategic relationships and our very way of life in jeopardy.

Russell E. Palmer Professor of Finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania; Author, The Future for Investors: Why the Tried and True Triumph over the Bold and New

Dubbed the “Wizard of Wharton,” Forbes named Jeremy Siegel “Best Business School Guru.” He’s an academic with optimism who presents a framework for understanding world markets and offers strategies for protecting and enhancing long-term capital.

President and Chief Global Economist, Decision Economics, Inc.

Time magazine said, "Anyone who thinks that economists practice a dismal science has never been treated to the vivid commentaries of Allen Sinai." Dr. Sinai is frequently called on by economic leaders and the media to provide commentary on economic issues.

Recipient of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Economics; Chief Economist and Senior Vice-President, The World Bank, 1997-2000; Chairman, U.S. Council of Economic Advisors, 1995-1996; Professor, Columbia Business School, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Department of Economics) and the School of International and Public Affairs

Recognized around the world as a leading economic educator, Joseph Stiglitz has written textbooks that have been translated into more than a dozen languages. His book, Three Trillion Dollar War, discusses the true cost of the war in Iraq.  Dr. Stiglitz is now University Professor at Columbia University in New York.

Founder and Principal, Straszheim Global Advisors; Vice Chairman, Milken Institute; Former Chief Economist, Merrill Lynch

Combining an expertise in global economics with an emphasis on China, Donald Straszheim is one of the world’s foremost economists. Widely quoted in the major business and financial media, has been a regular analyst on CNBC, CNN and FOX and a frequent network guest. His perspectives on global economies, business conditions and financial markets are highly sought after by governments and corporations worldwide.

Former Lt. Governor, Maryland; Education and Health Care Advocate; Humanitarian and Public Servant

A life long advocate for women, children and the underserved, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend’s career has focused on creating public and private partnerships to solve some of the most intractable problems facing America today.

Chief Economist at Griffin, Kubik, Stephens & Thompson, Inc.,; Columnist, American Spectator Magazine

The Wall Street Journal ranked him the nation’s #1 U.S. economic forecaster. The Chicago Tribune has called him “Chicago’s most prominent New Era Economist.” Wesbury is regularly featured on CNBC and CNN-fn and comments weekly on economic issues for WPTT radio in Pittsburgh. In Chicago, he may be seen on Channel 11’s Chicago Tonight or heard on WBBM radio.

2006 Nobel Prize Winner; Founder, Grameen Bank; Member of Board of Directors of UN Foundation

What if you could harness the power of the free market to solve the problems of poverty, hunger, and inequality? To some, it sounds impossible. But Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus is doing exactly that. As founder of Grameen Bank, Yunus pioneered microcredit, the innovative banking program that provides the poor — mainly women — with small loans they use to launch businesses and lift their families out of poverty. Muhammad Yunus’s vision is the total eradication of poverty from the world. "Grameen," he says, "is a message of hope, a program for putting homelessness and destitution in a museum so that one day our children will visit it and ask how we could have allowed such a terrible thing to go on for so long." This work is a fundamental rethink on the economic relationship between the rich and the poor, their rights and their obligations. The World Bank recently acknowledged that "this business approach to the alleviation of poverty has allowed millions of individuals to work their way out of poverty with dignity." Credit is the last hope left to those faced with absolute poverty. That is why Muhammad Yunus believes that the right to credit should be recognized as a fundamental human right. It is this struggle and the unique and extraordinary methods he invented to combat human despair that Muhammad Yunus recounts here with humility and conviction. It is also the view of a man familiar with both Eastern and Western cultures — on the failures and potential for good of industrial countries. It is an appeal for action: we must concentrate on promoting the will to survive and the courage to build in the first and most essential element of the economic cycle — Man.