Not that we planned out themes for each day of the Fourth Estate Summit, but if we did, Saturday’s theme would have been “UNREAL”.
Day Three brought with it speeches from some of the most important leaders in the world of international justice. Jaws were having to be lifted off the floor approximately every 22 minutes.
“The thing about being a do-gooder is you are willing to do good for anyone. It’s about doing good for everyone regardless of who is at the end of your goodness.” – Linda Sarsour, Executive Director of the Arab American Association of New York
“I think you are the generation that holds the key for rescuing our planet, our world, from the curse of my generation. Create a tsunami of hope that will overwhelm those who divide us.” – Jay Naidoo, Chair of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
“If you take on a full-time bad guy with a part-time fight, that’s a fight you’re not likely to win.” – Gary Haugen, CEO of International Justice Mission
“Humanity is technologically connected but institutionally divided. We are asking all nations to deliver global justice.” – Luis Moreno-Ocampo, first officially-appointed Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court
“Today, ordinary citizens don’t just advocate for change and action…they force change. You’re not just activists. You’re leaders.” – Samantha Power, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
Very, very notable additions to Day Three:
+ Three of our favorite rockstar supporters – Sophia Bush, Don Cheadle, and Kristen Bell – took to the stage during the evening session to prove they unfailingly stand behind our mission of #zeroLRA. They are the coolest cats in town.
+ C.J. Campbell received the 2013 Action Award for his positive impact in the lives of others. His humility was only outweighed by our joy in seeing his reaction to receiving the award when he came on stage.
+ Kunangbangate Belaha was presented with the 2013 Peace Award for his work in bringing safety to central African communities. As a leading figure in the quest for #zeroLRA, we are inspired every minute of every day by his personal sacrifice and heart for our mission.
+ The AMAZING score written and conducted by Leland Cox, performed by the Hans Zimmer Orchestra, and choreographed by LXD ended the evening in the only way an evening should ever end – with laughter, and joy, and dancing. But the audience was truly the best part of the finale with their highly coordinated, glow stick wielding arms.
In the coming days (weeks, months), we will be trying to wrap our heads around this event. The sheer volume of passion, energy, solidarity, and hope the attendees have for achieving true international justice was the most epic thing to witness. Further recaps, thoughts, and behind-the-scenes highlights from the Summit will be steadily making their way onto the world wide web.
But in the meantime – watch our continuously looped livestream footage of all the speakers, play-by-plays, interviews, and shenanigans that made the 2013 Fourth Estate Leadership Summit one for the record books.
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