Dear Friends of the Institute:

Over the past several weeks, we have seen dramatic changes to both our work and personal lives as the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus (the virus that causes Covid- 19) has spread from China across Asia, and then to Europe, North America and the rest of the planet. During this time, we have all had to adjust rapidly in myriad ways, coping with disruptions ranging from travel restrictions to limited access to workplaces, to distancing from friends and family.

Here at the Institute, we’ve faced the stress of rescheduling our largest event, the Milken Institute Global Conference, which has been held annually in Los Angeles in the spring for the past 22 years. For our Institute colleagues in Singapore and Hong Kong, there is light at the end of the tunnel, while those of us in Europe, the United States and elsewhere are facing pandemic restrictions head-on as this letter is being written. That said, the Milken Institute will remain open and operating, even if we have to do so by phone and computer rather than in person — as most of us are already doing.

At this time, the work of the Milken Institute remains more relevant than ever, not only because of our key centers focused on health, but also because of the incredible economic dislocation that people, cities, states and whole countries are facing. In fact, as we come through the coronavirus epidemic and out the other side, our work will become more important than ever. We will not only do our part in addressing the ongoing public health and medical research challenges, but also continue to work to ensure that the world will be better prepared for any future pandemic. And as the economy rebuilds, our emphasis on job creation and capital access will be more important than ever.

As always, the Milken Institute remains a nonpartisan, nonprofit independent think tank focused on building better lives and rebuilding shared prosperity. In the months ahead, these will not just be words, but an opportunity for us to continue to make a difference. I want to assure that you can count on the Institute to be an innovative, constructive force in speeding the recovery from this catastrophe and in helping to prevent another.

Michael Klowden, CEO