Chicago

Obama Foundation Summit Brings World Leaders, Entertainment Icons to Chicago

Prince Harry took the stage Tuesday evening, addressing a crowd of hundreds of civic leaders and artists

Royalty, world and business leaders and entertainment icons came together Tuesday in Chicago for the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit.

Former President Barack Obama's new, two-day leadership summit began Tuesday in his home town and brought together high-profile figures, including Prince Harry, artist Theaster Gates, former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, singer Gloria Estefan, rock band The National and Chicago’s own Chance the Rapper, among many others.

Prince Harry took the stage Tuesday evening, addressing a crowd of hundreds of civic leaders and artists. He said his years of military service helped him understand his life of privilege and helped him feel like a part of something bigger.

He also briefly discussed his mother, the late Princess Diana, who he called his "ideal role model" for how she used her platform.

"During this inaugural Summit, hundreds of leaders from around the world will come together to exchange ideas, explore creative solutions to common problems, and experience civic art, technology, and music from around the world," the Obama Foundation’s website reads.

Over 20,000 people applied to watch the event.

"I love the collaborative effort of being able to be at some of these talks and hear what people have going on and figure out how I fit in," Chance the Rapper said. 

The summit is the beginning of several activities the foundation is planning, Obama said. 

"In the weeks and months ahead, we'll be kicking off more initiatives and opportunities for people like you to get involved with the Obama Foundation's mission," he said last month. "That mission is simple: We want to inspire and empower people to change the world."

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