Former President Barack Obama announced Wednesday morning that the Obama Foundation will hold a two-day "immersive event" in Chicago featuring hundreds of leaders from around the world later this year.
The Obama Foundation Summit is being billed as an event to "exchange ideas, explore creative solutions to common problems, and experience civic art, technology, and music from around the world."
The foundation tweeted out the announcement with a short one-minute clip and a link to more details.
An announcement from President Obama: get ready for the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit. https://t.co/WdBQALg9je pic.twitter.com/TwzsGzzhDj
— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) September 13, 2017
The site says it is inviting people from around the world to attend the summit but is also saving spots for some applicants through Obama.org.
"The ideal candidate is active in their community and will bring a unique perspective to share with other attendees. No matter if you're from a rural town or a big city, we want to hear about the positive impact you're having in your community, and why you should join us in Chicago," the site reads.
In Obama's video introduction for the event, he references his 2008 presidential campaign.
"When I left office in January, I asked of you the same thing I asked of you way back in 2008. I asked you to believe not in my ability to bring about change, but in yours," Obama said. "When Michelle and I launched the Obama Foundation, we turned to you first."
"We want to hear your ideas and help you lift up good work that's already going on in your communities," Obama continued, adding that he has sat down with young people "from Chicago to Berlin to Jakarta" to hear directly from future leaders.
"That's why this October we're bringing together hundreds of leaders from all around the world for hands-on exchange of ideas in my hometown and the future site of the Obama Presidential Center, the city of Chicago," he said.
Obama described his foundation's mission: "Simply we want to inspire and empower people to change the world. And we hope you'll be a part of it."
Obama, an infrequent Twitter user since the end of his presidency, quoted the Obama Foundation announcement and encouraged his followers to visit the site.
Michelle and I want the @ObamaFoundation to inspire and empower people to change the world. Here's how we're getting started this fall. https://t.co/Q8a4voDXjV
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 13, 2017