The Global Interdependence Center (GIC) is a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization

Non-profit organization

Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...

 that holds conferences and programming to increase global dialogue and promote free trade

Free trade

Under a free trade policy, prices emerge from supply and demand, and are the sole determinant of resource allocation. 'Free' trade differs from other forms of trade policy where the allocation of goods and services among trading countries are determined by price strategies that may differ from...

, in order to improve cooperation and understanding among nation states, with the goal of reducing international conflicts and improving worldwide living standards. Dr. William C. Dunkelberg serves as Chairman and Erin Hartshorn serves as the Executive Director.

History

The GIC was founded in 1976 during Philadelphia's Bicentennial Celebration at convocation of leading United Nations and U.S. officials. Its vision was affirmed in a Declaration of Interdependence, which was crafted by historian Henry Steele Commager

Henry Steele Commager

Henry Steele Commager was an American historian who helped define Modern liberalism in the United States for two generations through his forty books and 700 essays and reviews...

 and signed by international dignitaries. Early leaders in the organization included Nobel Laureate Dr. Lawrence Klein

Lawrence Klein

Lawrence Robert Klein is an American economist. For his work in creating computer models to forecast economic trends in the field of econometrics at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1980...

 and Benjamin Franklin Professor of Economics and Finance at the University of Pennsylvania.

Notable programming

The GIC hosts and sponsors many programs throughout the year, both in Philadelphia, where it is based, and abroad. Programming comprises international trips, domestic conferences and roundtable discussions. Included among these programs are:

Annual Monetary and Trade Conference: This gathering together of global leaders has been held since 1979. Past speakers include Paul Volcker

Paul Volcker

Paul Adolph Volcker, Jr. is an American economist. He was the Chairman of the Federal Reserve under United States Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan from August 1979 to August 1987. He is widely credited with ending the high levels of inflation seen in the United States in the 1970s and...

, Chair of the International Accounting Standards Board and former Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Lawrence Kudlow

Lawrence Kudlow

Lawrence "Larry" Kudlow is an American economist, television personality, and newspaper columnist. He is the host of CNBC's The Kudlow Report. As a syndicated columnist, his articles appear in numerous U.S. newspapers and web sites, including his own blog, Kudlow's Money Politic$.-Early...

 and Robert Hormats

Robert Hormats

Robert D. 'Bob' Hormats was sworn in as Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business, and Agricultural Affairs on September 23, 2009. Hormats was formerly Vice Chairman of Goldman Sachs . He joined Goldman Sachs in 1982...

, noted free-market economists, as well as chief economists for the International Monetary Fund

International Monetary Fund

The International Monetary Fund is an organization of 187 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world...

 and representatives from global finance and trade organizations.

The Central Bankers Series: This event assembles well-known bankers to speak on their countries' monetary policies, their views on U.S. economics, and the business ramifications of monetary systems. Recent speakers have included Christian Noyer

Christian Noyer

Christian Noyer is a French higher civil servant, current governor of the Bank of France , and former vice-president of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank . In March 2010 Noyer became Chairman of the Bank for International Settlements.-References: *...

, Governor of the Banque de France and Richard Fisher

Richard W. Fisher

Richard W. Fisher is currently the President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, having assumed that post in April, 2005.-Career:...

, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

GIC Abroad: Delegations have visited France, Ireland, Estonia, Chile, South Africa and Israel. Delegations generally include business leaders from Philadelphia as well as representatives from central banks of various nations.

Annual Black Tie Gala: The annual Gala in Philadelphia sees the presentation of the Global Citizen Award to individuals who demonstrate exceptional service to the increasingly global community. Recent honorees include Anthony Santomero, former President of the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank, in 2005, Michael Heavener, executive Vice President and head of Wachovia Bank's Global Financial Institution and Trade Division, in 2006, Dr. Constantine Papadakis

Constantine Papadakis

Constantine Papadakis was a Greek-American businessman and the president of Drexel University.-Academic career:...

, President of Drexel University, in 2007, and Edward G. Boehne, former President of the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank, in 2008. Dr. Roger W. Ferguson Jr., President and CEO of TIAA-CREF

TIAA-CREF

Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association – College Retirement Equities Fund is a Fortune 100 financial services organization that is the leading retirement provider for people who work in the academic, research, medical and cultural fields...

, was awarded the Fred Heldring Global Leadership Award in 2006.

External links

• Company Website
• Global Interdepence Center at Condé Nast Portfolio
  Condé Nast Portfolio
  Portfolio.com is a website published by American City Business Journals that provides news and information for small to mid-sized businesses. It was formerly the website for the monthly business magazine Condé Nast Portfolio, published by Condé Nast from 2007 to 2009.Portfolio.com is continually...