Mar 26 2008
Visionary entrepreneur and computer and video game pioneer Henk Rogers revolutionized the virtual realm when he introduced Tetris(R) to the west and other world markets two decades ago. Now, Rogers seeks the challenge of revolutionizing the entire world for the greater good with the establishment of the Honolulu-based Blue Planet Foundation (BPF). He formed the non-profit entity in '07 to effect positive change in world energy culture, promote the implementation of sustainable solutions for clean, efficient and renewable energy and foster a global response to the planet's urgent climate crisis.
"We must act now," said Rogers recently, "to solve the problem of global warming, and choose the best science, engineering, the business practices and politics to lead the way in overcoming this ultimate challenge. Let's inspire the most brilliant minds of our civilization to become fully engaged in identifying ways to harness clean energy and stabilize the planet."
To that end, Rogers and the Blue Planet Foundation conceived the first annual Blue Planet Summit (BPS 2008), slated for April 3-5, 2008 at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. Sixty invited luminaries from Hawaii, the U.S. and countries internationally will participate in an aggregation of high-level events, all aimed at elevating world energy culture and emphasizing the need for global cooperation in the years ahead.
Rogers will kick off the summit with welcoming remarks and introduce Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle, who will deliver the opening keynote address. BPS 2008's Honorary Co-Chairs are Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D, HI) and University Of Hawaii President David McClain, and leading environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is another confirmed speaker. Other Summit highlights include an energy-themed Fred Friendly Seminar to be moderated by Frank Sesno (CNN Presents) to air nationally on PBS at a later date, and a roundtable discussion, also hosted by Sesno, for an international television broadcast.
"Starting here in Hawaii, with its legacy of living in harmony with nature," says Rogers, "we aim to develop a model of sustainable living that we can share with the rest of the country and the world so we can all be part of the solution to climate change."
Rogers and original Tetris inventor Alexey Pajitnov, who jointly formed the company that controls its worldwide ownership and licensing, are committed to preserving Tetris as non-violent, positive social and family game, in keeping with their vision for a better world.