The Council of the Great Lakes Region advances sustainable development by bringing together people, data, and ideas to drive meaningful system change across the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Region.
Our approach is rooted in collaboration, evidence-based insight, and action, aligning economic competitiveness with environmental stewardship and social well-being.
Change in the Great Lakes region is intensifying and accelerating across the Great Lakes Region. Climate change, urban expansion, new pollution risks, technological disruption, and global competition are transforming the region’s way of living, working, and growing.
CGLR exists to help leaders navigate this complexity. We provide a trusted forum to identify risks, explore opportunities, and advance solutions that strengthen the region’s economy, protect the health of the Great Lakes, and improve quality of life for current and future generations.
TURNING INSIGHT INTO ACTION
Our Strategic Framework guides how we convene stakeholders, develop knowledge, and deliver impact. It ensures our work remains focused, relevant, and outcomes-driven, supporting near-term decision-making and long-term transformation.
This framework allows CGLR to connect policy, markets, science, and investment in ways that accelerate sustainable outcomes across the Great Lakes region.
A COLLABORATIVE MODEL
Our methodology turns dialogue into action through four interconnected pillars shaping our work and partnerships:
We convene and unite leaders from across government, business, academia, and civil society to build a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities for sustainable growth.
We produce and share research that identifies key issues through environmental reports, sustainability trends, and information for public dialogue.
We facilitate cross-sector and cross-border collaborations that mobilize expertise, innovation, and financing to achieve lasting regional impact.
We spearhead initiatives and lead programs that deliver meaningful results and accelerate systemic change for regional sustainability.
A GROUNDED APPROACH
CGLR bridges evidence and action. By grounding our work in data and real-world implementation, we help decision-makers strike a balance between economic prosperity and environmental responsibility, ensuring solutions are both practical and transformative.
Our approach supports smarter investments, stronger policies, and more resilient communities throughout the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Region.
ADVANCING LEADERSHIP
CGLR’s work is made possible through the leadership and support of our network of donors and partners. Their engagement enables us to convene influential voices, produce high-impact insights, and deliver collaborative solutions.
In return, they gain opportunities to:
Take Action Now
Charitable contributions to the CGLR Foundation in the US and the CGLR Canada Foundation are crucial for helping us integrate environmental considerations into our regional public policy decisions, business strategies, and investment choices.
Charitable contributions to the CGLR Foundation in the US and the CGLR Canada Foundation are crucial for helping us integrate environmental considerations into our regional public policy decisions, business strategies, and investment choices.
Supporting CGLR and joining our programs and outreach efforts will help bring sector leaders and stakeholders together to grow the region’s US-Canada economic partnership, transition to a sustainable future, and strengthen our competitiveness in today’s fast pace global marketplace.
