Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama will speak at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York City later this month, former President Bill Clinton announced Monday.

"I'm grateful that President Obama and Governor Romney are taking time to join leaders from all parts of society who choose to address our greatest global challenges through the Clinton Global Initiative," said Clinton, who created the Clinton Foundation.

The event, held Sept. 23-25, will feature discussions and programs that aim to improve conditions for girls and women, spur development, and better global health and technology.

Other speakers include Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Mexico President Felipe Calderon, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Sen. John McCain also spoke at the conference four years ago when he ran for president, bringing along with him running mate Sarah Palin (though she did not have a speaking role).

Obama has also attended at the event for the last four years.

In recent days, Romney has been complimentary of Clinton, seeking to draw a contrast between the 42nd and 44th presidents as Clinton acts as a top surrogate of Obama. The former president delivered a rousing address for Obama during last week's Democratic convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"I think (Clinton) really did elevate the Democrat convention in a lot of ways and, frankly, the contrast may not have been as attractive as Barack Obama might have preferred if he were choosing who'd go before him and who'd go after him," Romney said in an interview that aired Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press."