Clean water, health care reform, climate change and economic development were all on the agenda at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) which began in New York on Tuesday (September 22).  

CGI was born five years ago out of Clinton's frustration while U.S. President from attending conferences that he says were more talk than action.

[Bill Clinton, Founder]:
"We almost never discussed the most important question here at this initiative, regardless of what you do, regardless of how much money you have or don't have, how are you going to do it so that you maximize the positive impact in other people's lives? This whole initiative is in the How business."

The four-day philanthropic summit which brings together world leaders, business executives, celebrities and activists comes as world leaders gather at the United Nations for their annual General Assembly meeting.

Obama spoke on the opening day of the four-day conference and challenged the audience to heed the call to public service.

[Barack Obama, U.S. President]:
"You don't have to hold a public office to be a public servant. That's the beauty of service, anyone can do it, and everyone should try."

Actor and activist Matt Damon announced plans for his non-profit group Water.org to invest two million dollars to provide safe water and sanitation to the island nation of Haiti.

[Matt Damon, Actor and Activist]:
"Haiti is in dire need of more effective and sustainable solutions that will guarantee its population has access to some of life's most basic necessities. Currently, only 51 percent of rural residents have access to safe drinking water, while only 29 percent of urban areas have proper sanitation coverage."