USCIB Celebrates 80 Years of Global Business Leadership

The U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB) marked its 80th anniversary with a gala on December 11, 2025, at the historic Plaza Hotel in New York City, bringing together leaders from government, business, and labor to celebrate USCIB’s longstanding role in shaping global economic and labor policy.

The evening featured keynote remarks from Ambassador Dan Negrea, U.S. Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Ambassador Negrea highlighted USCIB’s founding in 1945 alongside the United Nations and its enduring role as the official representative of U.S. business within the UN system. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration and reform, he described diplomacy as a collective effort and called for strengthened commercial diplomacy and private sector engagement to ensure global institutions advance modern American interests.

The program also included a fireside chat between USCIB President and CEO Whitney Baird and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. Their discussion addressed shared priorities for government and the business community, including artificial intelligence, workforce policy, and education, underscoring the growing importance of coordinated leadership in preparing workers and employers for the future of work.

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO of SHRM and a USCIB Trustee, reflected on the importance of global leadership and cross-sector collaboration. He emphasized that meaningful progress occurs when leaders from government, business, and labor unite around a shared goal of improving work and workers’ lives worldwide. Taylor also noted that serving on the USCIB Board of Trustees has provided valuable insight into how international policy is shaped and reinforced the importance of ensuring employers have a strong voice in global discussions defining the future of work.

SHRM also reaffirmed its commitment to USCIB’s mission, with Taylor serving on the Board of Trustees alongside Emily M. Dickens, SHRM’s Chief Administrative Officer, who also serves on the USCIB Board. The evening brought together respected public servants, including former Deputy Secretary of Labor Chris Lu, SHRM’s incoming Board Chair Sean N. Woodroffe, SHRM-SCP, and members of the diplomatic UN community.