Founded in 1922 as The Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, the Council is one of the oldest and most prominent international affairs organizations in the United States. Independent and nonpartisan, The Chicago Council is committed to influencing the discourse on global issues through contributions to opinion and policy formation, leadership dialogue, and public learning.

The Chicago Council brings the world to Chicago by hosting public programs and private events featuring world leaders and experts with diverse views on a wide range of global topics. Through task forces, conferences, studies, and leadership dialogue, the Council brings Chicago’s ideas and opinions to the world.

 

The Chicago Forum

Since its inception, The Chicago Council has provided a distinguished, nonpartisan forum in Chicago for world leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss issues of national and international importance. More than 150 public and leadership programs each year offer Chicago Council members and the public insights on current international developments and global issues.

 

National and International Discourse

Long known for its studies of American public opinion on foreign policy, The Chicago Council has expanded its contributions to national and international discussions on issues such as migration, agricultural development and food security, and energy and climate change. Through studies, task force reports, and special initiatives, The Chicago Council contributes fresh insights and authentic perspectives from Chicago and the Midwest to the formation of opinion and policy in the United States and abroad