Most major international organizations now work on urban issues at the municipal and national levels, but many are behind in adapting to the “century of cities” that is already underway. If the world’s leading international organizations are to remain relevant, they need to continue their evolution—and they need to get started right away.
Read the report
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:
Sign up to receive our Global Cities Insights email. This monthly email rounds up the Council's global cities related research and events. Enter your information below to subscribe.
Ron Klain, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Revolution LLC
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
Chan Heng Chee, Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Singapore; 2018 Marshall M. Bouton Asia Fellow
Larry C. Price, Photographer, Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting; George Steinmetz, Photographer; Karen Weigert, Senior Fellow, Global Cities
Ahmed Aboutaleb, Mayor, City of Rotterdam
Evelyn Diaz, President, Heartland Alliance; Verónica González , Chief Resilience Officer, City of Juárez; Alberto Kopittke, Executive Director, Instituto Cidade Segura; Michael Nutter, Former Mayor, City of Philadelphia; Santiago Uribe, Chief Resilience Officer, City of Medellín
Ghian Foreman, Executive Director, Greater Southwest Development Corporation; Karl Friedhoff, Fellow, Public Opinion and Asia Policy; Marisa Novara, Vice President, Metropolitan Planning Council; Tim Swanson, Chief Design Officer, Skender
