The network convenes more than 700 of the most relevant and knowledgeable thought leaders from academia, government, business and civil society, grouped in expertise-based, thematic councils. They provide thought leadership on key global challenges, and the impact and governance of emerging technologies.

Members of the network meet annually at the Annual Meeting for the Global Future Councils in the United Arab Emirates, and virtually several times a year, to monitor trends, identify global risks, discuss ideas and explore interconnections between issues. They also develop recommendations and integrate their findings into World Economic Forum activities such as the Annual Meeting in Davos and regional and industry events, as well as into global decision-making processes.

A member of the Global Future Council on the New Economic Agenda for Fiscal and Monetary Policy, Karen Harris is the Founder and Managing Director of Bain & Company’s Macro Trends Group, based in New York.  The Bain Macro Trends Group (MTG) is the capability group for developing Bain’s insights about global macroeconomics, macro social trends and geopolitics as they impact the results of Bain’s clients.  The group’s proprietary research includes work on trends driving global growth in GDP and in capital markets, as well as specific geographic analyses (including China, the United States, and the Eurozone), which it uses to help clients understand the potential impact of the volatile global environment on their businesses. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the National Committee on US-China Relations, and the Economics Club of New York. The New Economic Agenda for Fiscal and Monetary Policy Council explores the new approaches to applying the tools of economic policy for shaping a new, inclusive economy. Key themes the council will address include new approaches, proposals and pilots reshaping tax and public spending, monetary policy and managing public debt.

A member of the Global Future Council on Systemic Inequalities and Social Cohesion, Jon Barfield is a partner and the head of our Racial Equity and Social Justice pillar, part of our global Social Impact practice. He is also an expert in our Healthcare and Private Equity practices. The mission of our Social Impact practice is to drive transformative social impact by applying Bain talent in partnership with the most innovative and effective organizations, addressing some of the world's most pressing issues. Jon is spearheading Bain’s efforts to promote racial and social equity both within our firm and our broader communities, through our dedicated practice, commitment to global pro-bono and donations, as well as to engage, educate and mobilize every employee to embed racial equity into the fabric of Bain. The Global Future Council on Systemic Inequalities and Social Cohesion will focus on emerging examples of stakeholder investments in social capital needed for addressing systemic inequalities and explore the roles and collaborative efforts needed from all stakeholders for strengthening social cohesion and social justice during and beyond the pandemic. It will also make recommendations for mainstreaming social justice and social impact as priorities across the Sustainable Development Goals.