With roundtable participants from the public, private, and non-profit sectors hailing from around the world and representing diverse experiences and approaches, the dialogue at the Aspen Institute to discuss “America’s Role in the Fight Against Global Poverty” and to set out a forward-looking strategy for the United States. was as multifaceted as the challenge of poverty itself. Rather than simply summarize conference proceedings, this essay attempts to weave together the thoughtful exchanges, impassioned calls to action, fresh insights, and innovative ideas that characterized the discussion, and to set the stage for ongoing collaboration in the struggle for human dignity. Helping to define the issues, share and encourage what works, and build the intellectual framework for such an enterprise will be the guiding mission of the
Richard C. Blum Roundtable in the years ahead.