About Us

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is where your world and the world meet.

Our Mission

Founded in 1922, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing knowledge and engagement in global affairs. Our in-depth analysis and expert-led public opinion research influence policy conversations and inform the insights we share with our growing community. Through accessible content and open dialogue of diverse, fact-based perspectives, we empower more people to help shape our global future.  Learn more about who we are and what drives us.

As an independent, nonpartisan organization, the Council takes no institutional positions.

Council founders
Our History Founded in 1922 as a forum to engage Chicagoans in public discussions of world affairs at a time of increasing isolationism in the United States, the Council’s mission has evolved, and its reach has expanded nationally and globally in the digital era.
Our History
Council expert Flavia Carbonari poses a question during a workshop at the Pritzker Forum on Global Cities.
Our Community The Council is first and foremost a community where people who care about global affairs can connect — in person or virtually — with each other and with global leaders, influencers, and experts to explore ways they can help shape our global future.
Get Involved
Audience member greets Alaa Murabit, the UN High-Level Commissioner on Health Employment and Economic Growth.
Our Commitment to DE&I We are committed to weaving DE&I throughout the fabric of the Council, and we believe people — their identities, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and ideas — are critical to our success and to global affairs. We still have a long way to go, and our commitment to the journey is real and resolute.
Learn more
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Funding

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Diverse funding sources enable the Council to maintain its independence. We are committed to being transparent about the sources of support for our operations, programs, research, and projects, and we retain complete editorial control of our work regardless of funding sources.
A group of people attending a workshop at the Robert R. McCormick Foundation Hall.

Connect with Us

Council board member Jennifer Scanlon speaking at the 2023 Global Leadership Awards.
Board of Directors

The Council’s governing body is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds who have a fiduciary responsibility to the Council’s future and financial health.

Two people stand in front of the Chicago Council logo
Staff

Our dedicated staff is deeply invested in creating a more open and promising world for all by fostering greater knowledge of and engagement in global affairs.

Nonresident Senior Fellow Cecile Shea at a Council program.
Fellows & Experts

Resident and nonresident fellows and experts offer research, analysis, and commentary on a wide range of global issues. Experts are available for interviews.

An audience at a Council event raising their hands
Members & Donors

Anyone looking to expand their understanding of and participation in the world's most critical issues can join our growing community of members and donors.