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DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 26 /U.S. Newswire/ — Social entrepreneur and Operation HOPE Founder and CEO John Hope Bryant will serve as one of the panelists during the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Annual Meeting surrounding his duties as a Young Global Leader (YGL) in Davos, Switzerland Jan. 25 – 29. Bryant’s plan to attack poverty and encourage development of community and self in a "Silver Rights Movement" will be the focus of his discussions. During the five-day meetings, Bryant will share his ideas on the importance of financial literacy in eliminating poverty.

The WEF meetings will bring together some 2,500 A-listers worldwide from business, government, international institutions, non-governmental organizations, and universities to tackle global issues in a core theme of "The Creative Imperative." The forum strives to set a global agenda and provide structure to geopolitical, economic and environmental dilemmas in a cooperative way. Participants this session include: Lawrence H. Summers, president, Harvard University USA; German Chancellor Angela Merkel; Bill Gates, CEO, Microsoft; U2 musician Bono and actor Angelina Jolie among others.

Bryant recently received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Excellence in Leadership Award for embodying the ideals of the late civil rights icon as a result of his work to empower and educate financially the under-served. His organization’s "silver rights" picks up where "civil rights" left off, seeking to integrate the dollar into low wealth neighborhoods just as King had integrated the lunch counter. HOPE was founded in 1992 after one of the worst civil riots in U.S. history, becoming his vision for "a rainbow after the storm." It serves as a model towards his mission to eradicate poverty.

"As someone who has been exploring solutions to empower economically starved communities, it is an honor and a social obligation to participate in the World Economic Forum meetings," said Bryant. "The world is in economic flux but it is far from hopeless, with hope and dignity, we can make a difference. One person can make a difference. Three thousand of the foremost leaders in the world, unified in a belief that every human being has a right to lead a dignified life, can actually change the world."

Incorporated as a foundation in 1971, and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum is impartial and not-for-profit and is not tied to any political, partisan or national interests. The World Economic Forum is an independent international organization committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnerships to shape global, regional and industry agendas and the parent organization of the YGL.

About John Hope Bryant & Operation HOPE, Inc.

Bryant is founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Operation HOPE, Inc. (HOPE), America’s first nonprofit social investment bank and a national provider of financial literacy and economic empowerment programs. As a national community leader, Bryant has been cited by the past four (sitting) U.S. presidents for his work to empower low wealth communities across America. Through ongoing collaborations and long-term partnerships with leading government, private sector, and community interests, HOPE works to bring self-sufficiency and a sustained spirit of revitalization to America’s inner-city communities. For more information about HOPE and its programs visit http://www.operationhope.org.

About The Forum of Young Global Leaders

The YGL consists of outstanding leaders from 68 countries around the world, aged 40 years or younger, who are committed to improving the state of the world. For more information and a detailed list of all Young Global Leaders, please visit http://www.younggloballeaders.org or visit http://www.weforum.org for more about World Economic Forum.

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