Chair’s statement
The past year has seen Chatham House grappling with a deteriorating international scene and strengthening its own organization. We warmly welcomed His Majesty The King’s acceptance of the patronage of the institute, maintaining the status we have enjoyed for over a century. We are grateful for his continuing personal interest in our work.
Council supports director Bronwen Maddox’s ambition to place Chatham House at the heart of international debate on world affairs. We are sharpening our output and activities, and responding thoughtfully and responsibly to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, other international threats and the unprecedented series of elections in 2024. Council recognizes the efforts that Bronwen and the institute’s excellent staff have made to provide independent and balanced commentary on often troubling events that can divide public opinion. In awarding this year’s Chatham House Prize to Polish prime minister Donald Tusk, our members have perhaps recognized the scale of current threats to our values, democracies and security in Europe and beyond, and saluted those who defend them. Following the sad passing of Lord Alistair Darling, the institute elected former Bank of England governor Mark Carney as co-president and appointed Dame Shriti Vadera as chair of our Panel of Senior Advisers. We thank both for their continued commitment to Chatham House.
Working closely with Bronwen and her leadership team, Council has implemented the recommendations of last year’s governance review, and devoted considerable time to monitoring the implementation of the strategy adopted last year, particularly the stabilization of the institute’s finances and operations. We welcomed new elected members – Alan Houmann, Rob Macaire and Herbert Swaniker – alongside co-opted members Irene Dorner and Bridget Kendall, who bring relevant expertise in leadership, finance and journalism. I thank all members of Council for their committed involvement.
Council also recognized the outstanding service of John Berriman, who is stepping down after seven years as honorary treasurer. He has been a beacon of good sense, stability and integrity. Council has co-opted Keith Harrington, a former partner at PwC with wide accounting, advisory and international experience, before nominating him for election as John’s successor at our AGM.
Finally, I too will step down in September at the end of my three-year term as Council chair. My main task during that time has been to support the institute’s leadership transition, which is now well advanced. My successor, Sir Simon Fraser, brings extensive diplomatic, business and policy experience to the role, as well as personal commitment to the institute. I would like to reiterate my strong support for the direction set by Bronwen and her team, and to thank members, donors and partners for their continuing support for Chatham House.
Sir Nigel Sheinwald GCMG