Daniel Germain

Founding President, Montreal Millennium Summit

Daniel Germain wants to change the world for children. How? By breaking the poverty cycle, which affects millions of them around the world. He wants to offer young people places where they can express themselves and help them develop better self-esteem. Every child, whether from a privileged or underprivileged
environment, has the potential to stand out and thrive. “Death words” – accusations, mockery or bashing – pronounced by adults must be replaced with “life words” – words of encouragement, stimulation and acceptance. Enriching and amusing activities must fill young people’s daily lives.

To make this dream a reality, Daniel Germain believes in social mobilization. He encourages young people to become part of the solution rather than the problem. He also encourages business people, artists and politicians to replace their donation philosophy with one of commitment. Daniel Germain does not want his partners’ charity, he looks for sustained relations. He chooses his partners based on their heart and values, well before their influence or money. Daniel’s teams are as passionate as he is; they initiate programs that involve the children’s immediate environment, namely their parents. He feels that solving poverty is everyone’s business. If we all take some responsibility in this society project, writing a part of history is also up to us.

The Montreal Millennium Summit is the realization of Mr. Germain’s dream of gathering the world’s thought leaders who will share their expertise and inspiring experience and find solutions on issues concerning our children.

From the time Daniel Germain began sharing his vision, several people joined him and his organization: such a beautiful dream is contagious.