NEW BERLIN, N.Y. — As one of most significant humanitarian crises of our time continues to unfold, Chobani announced today that it will host the World Refugee Forum on Wednesday, August 10th to bring together leaders who are pushing for stronger government policies, as well as providing humanitarian support and employment pathways for refugees in the U.S. and abroad. The forum will take place as the world prepares to mark one year since the U.S. announced the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and six months into the Russian war on Ukraine. As such, discussions will focus on the dire situations for Afghans and Ukrainians alike, as well as the overall challenges confronting refugees around the globe.
“I have worked alongside my refugee brothers and sisters for many years, and they are a testament to the power of the human spirit,” said Chobani Founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya. “I am grateful that so many people are now paying attention to the refugee crisis, and we cannot let this moment pass without change. It is critical that we make sure our words translate into action, and that we work together on concrete solutions.”
Hosted by Chobani, advocates, policymakers, and humanitarian agencies will discuss the social, political, and economic challenges facing refugees today, and the larger implications such as the global food crisis. With this forum, Chobani intends to inspire companies to hire refugees and generate support for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide much-needed humanitarian relief.
Speakers so far include:
- Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder & CEO, Chobani; Founder, Tent Partnership for Refugees
- Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX)
- Representative Jason Crow (D-CO)
- Jay Collins, Vice Chairman, Citi; Tent Partnership for Refugees Advisory Council; Save the Children Trustee
- Dora Chomiak, President, Razom
This virtual event will be held on August 10 at 1:00 PM eastern standard time and is free and open to the public. To register and learn more about the World Refugee Forum, visit www.chobanirefugeeforum.com. Additional speakers will be announced in the coming days.
Chobani has a long history of hiring refugees, starting in the company’s earliest days when Ulukaya heard refugees resettled in Utica, New York and hired them to work in the nearby plant. Today, Chobani employees are from numerous backgrounds and lived experiences, including people from Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal, Somalia, and Bhutan who escaped violent and difficult experiences in their home countries and resettled in places like upstate New York and Idaho. Chobani recently partnered with UNSTUCK™ to launch Vanilla Greek Yogurt Tropical Fruit on the Bottom, which is crafted with fruit sourced from suppliers committed to employing refugees.
Ulukaya has inspired countless people, companies, and organizations to follow his lead in hiring refugees and helping them to integrate into new communities. Ulukaya’s work in support of refugees has taken him to Colombia, Jordan, Italy, and Poland. His personal foundation, the Tent Partnership for Refugees–a global business network of 250 major companies–works with companies to advance the economic integration of refugees, especially by hiring and training them.
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Chobani has worked closely with non-profit partners such as Razom, Save the Children, and The Center for Refugees in Utica, New York to address the needs on the ground and to assist with preparations for Ukrainian refugees resettling in the U.S. Ulukaya also visited the Ukraine-Poland border with Tent and UNHCR in April.About Chobani
Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, we are a values-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and have been since Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S., founded the company in 2005. We produce yogurt, oatmilk, dairy- and plant-based creamers, ready-to-drink coffee and plant-based probiotic drinks. Chobani yogurt is America’s No.1 yogurt brand, and it’s made with only natural ingredients without artificial preservatives.
Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world – putting humanity first in everything we do. Our philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to our communities and beyond: working to eradicate child hunger, supporting immigrants, refugees and underrepresented people, honoring veterans, and protecting the planet. We manufacture our products in New York, Idaho, and Australia. Chobani products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets. For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
