U.S. President Barack Obama took the stage Tuesday at the Clinton Global Initiative full of jokes, as he so often attempts to do at such events.

But the president also had a few serious words for ongoing global issues and took a moment to promote civics at the event put on by former President Bill Clinton and his wife -- and possible 2016 presidential candidate -- Hillary, according to a report from the Associated Press.

Obama said that ordinary citizens have a much more long-term impact on their community than their leaders. He added that when people speak their mind and hold leaders accountable, government works better and is more responsive.

The president commended efforts aimed at promoting the rights of women, gays, laborers and minorities.

The Clinton Global Initiative is a conference that brings together global leaders "to create and implement innovative solutions to the world's most pressing challenges," according to initiative's website. Obama did address some of the world's pressing challenges in his speech.

"We've gone through extraordinary challenges over the last decade," Obama said in an Upper West Side apartment overlooking the Hudson River. "The good news is this week, what you're seeing is what American leadership means."

The president was presumably talking about the U.S.-led fight against the Islamic State. On Monday night, the U.S. and Arab coalition began airstrikes against the militants in Syria.

But Obama's address wasn't all serious business. He praised Hillary Clinton, saying that making her secretary of state was one of the best decisions he has made as president. She is now out of government and Obama quipped that she has "that post-administration glow."

The president also joked about Chelsea Clinton's pregnancy, saying that the mom-to-be could use his motorcade if she had gone into labor during the conference, ABC News reported.

"I was just discussing with President Clinton that if Chelsea begins delivery while I'm speaking, she has my motorcade and will be able to navigate traffic," he said. "I don't know what the problem is. Everybody hypes the traffic, but I haven't noticed."