The Official Host Committee Website for the Chicago NATO Summit
Leaders from around the world are gathering in Chicago this spring for an important diplomatic summit hosted by President Barack Obama. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will hold meetings in Chicago from May 20-21, allowing the city to highlight its economic vitality, its arts and architecture, and its can-do spirit.
- This will be the first time an American city other than Washington has hosted a NATO summit.
- About 2,000 journalists from across the world are expected in Chicago to chronicle the events.
While the summit itself will be closed to the public, the Chicago NATO Host Committee is making plans for a variety of programs to inform our community about this historic event. Through our partners such as The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, World Sport Chicago, and Illinois Restaurant Association, the Host Committee has organized lectures on foreign affairs, contests for students, special dining programs, and much more.
Information about all of these programs, plus more information about the benefits of the summit on the city of Chicago, can be found in the Chicago Residents section. You can also find a summary of related events in the Events Listing.
Here is the latest video made to welcome NATO delegates to Chicago:
The longer, full-length version of this video features interviews with Chicago architects, artists, theater directors, business executives, and chefs. It is an exciting snapshot of all that Chicago has to offer. You can watch the full video on our Video page.
The NATO summit offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our city -- and especially our students -- to witness world leaders working together to address global challenges. We encourage you to use this momentous occasion to learn more about our world, expand your horizons, and become more of a global citizen.
News & Press
Chicago Tribune: "Foreign journalists favorably impressed" ›
Chicago garnered high marks, according to some of the 2,200 or so accredited journalists covering the NATO Summit. And though policymaking and protests drew most of the headlines, city backers can hope a plethora of future stories will burnish the city's image.
New York Times: "NATO Agrees on Afghan Security Transition in 2013" ›
President Obama and the leaders of America’s NATO allies agreed to end their guiding role in the decade-long war in Afghanistan next summer, saying it is time for the Afghan people to take responsibility for their own security and for the United States-led international troops to go home.
Chicago Summit Declaration on Afghanistan ›
Read the declaration issued by Heads of State and Government of Afghanistan and Nations contributing to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.
Chicago Tribune: "Making Chicago more than a dateline" ›
Thousands of journalists from around the world have swept into Chicago to cover the NATO summit, putting the host city atop the international news headlines for the weekend.
Read the joint declaration released by participating Heads of State and Government from the first day of the Chicago NATO Summit.
View All News & Press ›