The Taoiseach tonight called for leadership from international businesses along with civic and community authorities to ensure the development of the global economy.
Addressing the gala dinner of the International Achievement Summit in Dublin this evening, Mr Ahern said leadership in the global economy must come from business, science, the communications industry, and the arts along with civic and community life.
"Solving such serious structural problems will require all the patience and expertise available - and a good deal of imagination too," he said.
Past and present world leaders, businessmen, artists and Nobel Laureates have gathered for the four-summit being held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin.
Delegates include Mr Clinton, former Russian president Mr Mikhail Gorbachcv, US Senator Mr George Mitchell, Chairman of the Interim Administration of Afghanistan, Mr Hamid Karzai and Foreign Minister of East Timor, Mr José Ramos Horta.
The problems facing world leaders are too great for one nation to tackle alone but require an international response, Mr Ahern said
He pledged full support from the incoming Government for preventive action by Irish aid agencies. But he said long-term solutions to poverty in developing countries could only be found through international co-operation.
Mr Ahern said membership of the European Union was fundamental to the Republic’s economic success.
"I am sure that Irish people share my determination that Ireland be a full member of an enlarged Europe of 27 states," he said.
The Taoiseach also reasserted the Government’s commitment to social partnership and the continuing drive towards the fully implementation of the Belfast Agreement.