Cities have a crucial role to play in translating the high-level, ambitious, and multidimensional vision of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into practice through local policies—that is, localization.
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Global cities increasingly shape our world – not only the global economy but its ideas, culture, and policies. On the front lines of the world’s greatest challenges, cities are driving the most innovative solutions. Their influence transcends national borders.
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a leading center for studying the influence of cities in solving global challenges and shaping the world’s future. With over a decade of research and programming on global cities, the Council examines the policies needed to be successful, identifies global best practices, connects leaders, and provides concrete recommendations to decision-makers.
The Council publishes original research and produces digital interactives on topics such as the foreign policy of cities, the role of cities in global governance, inclusive societies, climate change and the environment, security and safety, migrant integration, and economic competitiveness.
Resident and nonresident fellows contribute to the Council’s expertise by authoring blogs and commentaries, peer reviewing reports, developing podcasts and interactives, and presenting Council research on critical platforms.
Hosted in partnership with the Financial Times, this three-day international conference brings together leaders in business, civics, education, and the arts for a cross-sector dialogue on the influential role cities play in solving critical global challenges.
The Council regularly hosts speakers, workshops, public programs, and private dinners to inform audiences of pressing issues affecting cities and to share the findings of Council research.
The Council's global cities work is made possible by:
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Ivo Daalder, President, Chicago Council on Global Affairs ; Victor Mallet, Paris Bureau Chief, Financial Times
Samuel Kling, ACLS/Mellon Public Fellow, Global Cities
Michael Berkowitz, President, 100 Resilient Cities; Dr. Julie Morita, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health; Kyra Woods, Lead Organizer, Ready for 100 Chicago, Sierra Club Illinois; Mike Tomas, Executive Director, Garfield Park Community Council
Gerben van Straaten, Founder, World of Walas; Andrea Zopp, President and CEO, World Business Chicago
Ron Klain, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Revolution LLC; Anita Patel, Senior Advisor, Pandemic Medical Care and Countermeasures, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Ivo H. Daalder, President, Chicago Council on Global Affairs; Samuel Kling, ACLS/Mellon Public Fellow, Global Cities; Samuel C. Scott III, Board of Directors Cochair, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Chan Heng Chee, Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Singapore; 2018 Marshall M. Bouton Asia Fellow
