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The 2015 HOPE Global Forum will host working groups where attendees will brainstorm solutions to the shrinking middle class and discuss innovations for the future. Influential leaders will speak during each working group session and offer the opportunity to ask questions to experts in fields related to the topic. See what each group is about below! For more information on the Forum’s agenda, visit hopeglobalforum.org.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16th Mobile Technology: 

“A Platform for Changing Our World”

There are almost as many cellphone subscribers (6.8 billion) as there are people on this earth (7 billion) – and it took less than 20 years to get there. The vast majority of phones sold globally have a web browser, making the smart phone our primary computer and signaling a profound shift in global computing. This session will explore how cutting- edge mobile technology is being applied globally to deliver financial and educational empowerment, retail and services. Experts will discuss innovations from around the world, developing technologies and best practices.

The Big New Idea: 

“Connecting Financial and Physical Wellbeing”

Financial concerns are consistently rated among the highest causes of stress. Individuals rate financial concerns five times more stressful than physical health concerns. This session will explore the role financial wellbeing plays in the total wellness package. Participants will examine ways in which connected stakeholders can incorporate financial wellness improvement strategies for their populations, improve overall performance and lower healthcare costs.

Big Data’s Next Task: 

“Identifying The Entrepreneurship Class”

Small business continues to drive job creation and overall economic expansion, with 70% of new jobs created by small business. In Los Angeles, that number is over 90%. While there are systems in place to identify the next great athlete, scientist or scholar, we currently have no way of seeking out and nurturing this primary source of economic energy. Recognizing that the entrepreneur is the fuel for the engine, this session will explore how we can identify traits of future business builders early – and help them succeed.

What’s Working: 

“Innovations in Corporate Social Responsibility”

The private sector has realized that by being innovative in all things – including Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives – they will add value to their bottom line in addition to the positive contributions they make to their key stakeholders. This session will feature senior leaders from the financial sector exploring creative, innovative and strategic CSR programs, particularly in the area of financial capability and community empowerment, nationally and globally.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17th
The Youth Entrepreneurial Mindset: 

“Taking Action for Generational Change”

Entrepreneurship is a phenomenal global growth opportunity that exists for young people, particularly among the children of the economically disadvantaged. Children surrounded by poverty often develop many of the same skills as entrepreneurs, as they need to work harder and creatively to get the things they want. They just need a broader picture of what success looks like so they can harness their natural passions and skills. Research shows how important support for young entrepreneurs is: 88% of those with mentors survive in business, compared with a 50% failure rate among those without. This session will feature successful entrepreneurs sharing their personal stories with experts from community and government weighing in on best practices and successful innovations here and abroad.

Technology as a Tool: 

“Scaling Financial Services in a High-Tech World”

In the highly competitive and fast-moving space of high-tech, innovators looking for an edge recognize the need to expand their consumer base. Access to financial services remains a key constraint for consumers and developing business in emerging economies. This session will feature successful Silicon Valley CEO’s sharing their latest innovations in the delivery of financial services designed to reach millions of underserved consumers.

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