At the outset of the 21st century humanity faces diverse challenges and opportunities that are interrelated in the complex web of global life.
The mission of the Global Academy is to address those challenges and opportunities, which we believe are most central to the evolution of humanity and the natural world. By using a whole systems approach, the Academy works to deepen the understanding of these issues, to create models for change, and to support the implementation of these models into the mainstream of society. We believe this the most effective strategy to build societies that are environmentally and socially sustainable, economically successful and technologically responsible.
The Global Academy recognizes the importance of partnerships and works closely with governments, business, civil society, educators scientists and the faith community around the world. In the spirit of partnership the Global Academy helps to build networks that allow all parties to learn from each other, share strengths, and create effective action.
The interdisciplinary work of the Academy is organized within five institutes, which focus on education programs and multi-stakeholder dialogues ranging from town hall meetings to international conferences, as well as media and online initiatives.
Genome Institute convenes interdisciplinary multi-stakeholder dialogues and educational programs on the breadth of genetic technology issues, with a particular emphasis on public health, social responsibility, democracy and international understanding.
Institute for Integrative Medicine supports the integration of conventional Western medicine with traditional and alternative medicines and furthers that integration into mainstream institutions.
Institute for Sustainable Capitalism focuses on Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSR), Responsible Investing (SRI) and Natural Capitalism in order to align the success of companies and economies with social and environmental sustainability.
Institute for Globalization, Human Rights and Leadership develops and supports educational programs, multi-stakeholder dialogue and institution building to work towards better governance and more equitable and sustainable forms of globalization.
Institute for Integrative Education develops innovative and effective educational models and explores the interface of learning, contemplation and action. into a variety of societal institutions. As president of the Link Foundation and the Global Academy, he has successfully developed programs for corporations, universities and governments throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas.eak. It was not until the 1997 Asian economic crisis and the subsequent removal of veteran Indonesian President Suharto (see Indonesia section) that the growing international criticism of the Indonesian campaign began to have some effect. In June 1999, President Habibie of Indonesia suddenly announced that a referendum would be held in East Timor, offering independence or autonomy within Indonesia. The referendum was held in August 1999 and 80 per cent opted for independence. By way of revenge, the Indonesian army, along with local militias that they had armed and financed, indulged in an orgy of destruction and killing that displaced hundreds of thousands of people and destroyed the territory's already fragile economic base. A UN transitional administration (UNTAET) set up shop in East Timor, pending the conduct of national elections. The assembly poll, which was held in August 2001, returned as expected a large majority for FRETILIN candidates. The Presidency, contested in April 2002, was won by Xanana Gusmão, with a huge majority. Mari Alkatiri, also of FRETILIN, is the new premier.