The Council's name change on September 1, 2006 to The Chicago Council on Global Affairs reaffirms the heritage of the organization, while signaling a strategic transformation. 

Since its inception, The Chicago Council has brought the world to Chicago by providing an independent, nonpartisan forum for the discussion of international affairs with world leaders, policy makers, and experts.  Now, the Council will draw on its strengths of history, location, and reputation to help amplify the voices of Chicago and the Midwest on issues that directly affect the city, the region, and the nation. 

Chicago's future depends on how key global issues such as commerce, agriculture, and migration are dealt with in the years ahead. As the third largest city in the United States and the business, cultural, and intellectual capital of the Midwest, we have an obligation not only to be a party to the debate, but to help lead it.

Changes at The Chicago Council are evident on many fronts -- more and new programs, larger and more diverse audiences, a step-up in the pace of task force reports and conferences, heightened visibility, increased revenues, improved governance, and expanded staff.  What has not changed is The Chicago Council's commitment to nonpartisanship and public education.

This is an important time in the history of The Chicago Council. As chairman, I am committed to the vital contribution that the Council makes to the city, the region, and the world.

Lester Crown