The International Council is a collective body drawn from those organisations and individuals who support GLF financially. Its membership is by invitation.

In an age when non-state actors wield both power and influence, financial markets, NGOs, companies and opinion-formers shape the environment in which states and political leaders act. Under such circumstances, the International Council can make significant contributions to the work of GLF. Based on reliable local information and using their own strategic networks in the countries in which GLF is working, International Council members can offer ideas and links to our project team. Occasionally the opportunity arises for direct participation in a particular project - for example, to provide independent advice on how to promote a positive climate for foreign investment. However, while good governance and political stability are in the interest of everyone and GLF welcomes the input from its business associates, the level of involvement of members of the International Council is entirely at their discretion.

International Council Members are all kept informed of GLF activities throughout the year via newsletters from the Secretariat and, on request, by briefings on projects by the GLF Projects Director Sir Robin Christopher, the GLF CEO Sir Robert Fulton or, when possible, the GLF Chairman, FW de Klerk. GLF Members can also at times provide corporations with unique political analysis.

Members of the International Council are all invited and actively encouraged to attend GLF's Annual Meetings. These meetings, held alternately in Switzerland and elsewhere, are an opportunity for Members of the International Council to contribute their specialist knowledge to GLF's strategic direction, to share best case practice from the private sector, and to enrich debate on how GLF might contribute to the solution of complex problems in various countries. Annual Meetings include Consultation discussions with guest speakers on themes such as Transitions from Authoritarian Rule; the threat of international drug and other trafficking in West Africa; assistance to UNHCR on the political issues surrounding the humanitarian relief of refugee problems; and the challenges faced by governments in countries having significant mineral or oil resources, the traps and ways to avoid them. Past guest speakers have included Professors Paul Collier, author of "The Bottom Billion"; Sanjay Pradham, Vice President of the World Bank Institute; and Alexander Aleinikoff, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees. These thematic Consultation discussions are followed by more focused regional discussions, led by GLF Members, which consider where and how the Foundation might usefully play a discreet role in supporting good governance and reducing conflict through private meetings with Heads of State. All discussions are conducted openly within the Annual Meetings on the understanding that those present treated the content with discretion and it should not be attributed.

Photo gallery from 2013 Annual Meetings in Windsor, U.K.

Photo gallery from 2011 Annual Meetings in Wolfsberg, Switzerland