Business & Entrepreneurship
Black economic justice goes global
“Entrepreneur & philanthropist Arian Simone has just launched the Fearless Global Initiative (FGI) during the United Nations General Assembly — a bold new platform putting Black economic justice on the world stage.
BWSMContributor
From Grammy-winning artists to heads of state, the FGI Summit united leaders across business, culture, and policy to spark measurable commitments for global equity.
“This is more than a moment — it’s a movement.” – Arian Simone
Read more about how FGI is reimagining what’s possible when culture and commerce align for change”
Entrepreneur Arian Simone Launches Fearless Global Initiative During UNGA to Champion Global Black Economic Justice
New York, NY – 22 September 2025 — Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and bestselling author Arian Simone today launched the Fearless Global Initiative (FGI) during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City. The half-day summit, hosted at Glasshouse Chelsea, convened a powerful cross-section of global leaders from business, policy, Hollywood, and culture to ignite international dialogue and commitments on economic inclusion.
The inaugural FGI Summit placed Simone at the centre as keynote speaker, joined by distinguished participants including Pops Mensah-Bonsu (former NBA star), Dr Yaba Blay (renowned scholar and activist), and Minister Sarah Beysolow Nyanti (Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs). Their presence underscored FGI’s unique mission: uniting those who shape both systems and culture to accelerate global Black economic justice.
Launching strategically during UNGA, FGI positions economic equity at the intersection of commerce, culture, and policy. Modelled in spirit after transformative platforms such as the Clinton Global Initiative and the 15% Pledge, FGI is designed as a commitment platform where brands, governments, and institutions make measurable pledges towards equity, inclusion, and cross-border collaboration.
By convening Grammy-winning artists, FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 chief executives, and world leaders, FGI aims to reimagine what is possible when cultural influence and systemic change align.
“This is more than a moment — it’s a movement,” said Arian Simone, Founder of the Fearless Global Initiative. “We are here to hold systems accountable, spark commitments, and reimagine what’s possible when culture and commerce align in service of global equity. Fearless is about turning bold vision into sustained, measurable change.”
Event Details
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Date: 22 September 2025
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Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
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Location: Glasshouse Chelsea, New York, NY
About Arian Simone
Arian Simone is a dynamic entrepreneur, philanthropist, bestselling author, and international speaker. As Co-Founder and Chief Executive of the Fearless Fund, she pioneered venture capital for women of colour, securing backing from institutions such as J.P. Morgan Chase and Mastercard. She has advised billion-dollar brands including Sony Pictures and Walt Disney, and currently serves on the board of Steve Madden while holding advisory roles with Amazon and Mastercard.
Globally recognised as both a cultural and business leader, Simone is also Queen of Dawa Grand Bereby in Côte d’Ivoire and has been named one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s “100 Women of Impact.”
With the Fearless Global Initiative, Simone extends her legacy of advocacy and innovation onto the world stage — championing equity, justice, and opportunity for communities too often left behind.
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