Former President Bill Clinton addressed the members of the Haitian Diaspora gathered in Miami (Aug. 6-9) for the 2nd annual International Haitian Diaspora Unity Congress. It was the first time Mr. Clinton addressed the diaspora in his new role as the United Nations Special Envoy to Haiti. He clearly defined what the UN wants him to accomplish in this role from attracting investments to working with the diaspora to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and establish hurricane readiness.
Whether in developing agriculture, tourism, or energy, President Clinton spoke of the many challenges and opportunities facing Haiti. Holding in his hands a substitute for charcoal made up of recycled paper and sawdust, he encouraged investment in environmentally friendly enterprises that could provide jobs, reverse the degradation of the environment, and uplift communities.