Mission:

The Global Interdependence Center (GIC) is a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania based nonprofit organization with a global reach. 

Our mission is to encourage the expansion of global dialogue and free trade in order to improve cooperation and understanding among nation states, with the goal of reducing international conflicts and improving worldwide living standards. 

With that focus driving our work, GIC provides a forum for the exchange of divergent perspectives. We engage experts to identify emerging economic, social and political issues vital to the interdependent global community. GIC organizes country and region-specific meetings, conferences and briefings for educational and networking opportunities. We promote global partnerships among governments, non-governmental organizations, corporations, businesses and academic and research institutions. GIC also prides itself on sharing its findings with policymakers and the press worldwide.

History:

The Global Interdependence Center was launched in 1976, during Philadelphia's Bicentennial Celebration, at convocation of leading United Nations and U.S. officials. GIC's vision was affirmed and defined in a Declaration of Interdependence, crafted by the renowned historian, educator and author Henry Steele Commager, and symbolically signed by international dignitaries.

This declaration, while written over thirty years ago, remains relevant as a call to global discourse, and as a living document that informs and inspires the actions of the Center.  In prescient language, it addresses the need for cooperation in managing economic integration, political relations, and the natural world. 

The declaration calls on us to “declare interdependence with the people of all nations, and to embrace those principles and build those institutions which will enable mankind to survive and civilization to flourish.”   To that end, we direct the content of our programming.

Method:

Our signature programming comprises international trips, domestic conferences, lunch time meetings, evening lectures, and roundtable discussions.  Included among these programs are:

International Monetary and Trade Conference:  This gathering together of global leaders has been held since 1979.   Past speakers include Paul Volcker, Chair of the International Accounting Standards Board and former Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Lawrence Kudlow and Robert Hormats, noted free-market economists, as well as chief economists for the International Monetary Fund and representatives from global finance and trade organizations.

The Central Bankers Series:  This event assembles well-known bankers to speak on their countries' monetary policies, their views on U.S. economics, and the business ramifications of monetary systems.

Regional Programming: These discussions spotlight developments linking regions of the world.  Participants have the opportunity to meet members of trade missions as well as businesspeople operating in or working with featured countries and regions.  Our Greater Middle East Committee Series has included topics on media in the region, lectures from prominent academics, and country-specific seminars.

Topical Programs: When an emerging issue changes the way we view the world, or calls for joint action, the Global Interdependence Center assembles experts to respond.  Recent events have addressed terrorist attacks, health emergencies, and economic crises.