Chair’s statement
The turbulence in international affairs over the last year has underscored the importance of Chatham House’s mission. I am proud that our teams have risen to the challenge. They have produced timely, independent analysis of global crises, delivered original and influential research on systemic changes, and convened the leaders and decision-makers who have been shaping events. All of this work culminated in the convening of a highly successful and impactful London Conference in July.
In parliaments, global media and conferences, and at public and private meetings, our experts have offered measured explanation and advice on critical areas of international relations. Many examples of their work are captured in the following pages.
Our members have been able to hear and question a remarkable range of speakers. Among these, Finland’s president Alexander Stubb and European Parliament president Roberta Metsola spoke on Europe and the role of the UK. British ministers addressed a wide range of international economic, security and defence issues. President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria joined us on his first trip to the UK, and the institute’s director, Bronwen Maddox, interviewed Israel’s president Isaac Herzog. We welcomed three African foreign ministers on a single day, and co-hosted more than 700 delegates at a conference in Addis Ababa on African strategic influence.
I want to thank my fellow Council members, along with Bronwen Maddox and the entire Chatham House team, for their time, energy and commitment to our mission and values. Thanks also go to our many individual and corporate members, and to the generous supporters of the institute, without whom none of our work would be possible.