Who we are

The Albuquerque Committee on Foreign Relations (AbqCFR) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization devoted to promoting improved understanding of international affairs through the free exchange of ideas with and among key individuals within the community. We are an affiliate organization of The American Committees on Foreign Relations.

The first record of an organizational meeting for the Albuquerque Committee on Foreign Relations dates back to October 5, 1948, and the first regular meeting was October 27, 1948 at the Hilton Hotel. Today, the Committee has about 150 members, including many who are leaders in business, education, all levels of government, military, and the professions.

Members gather about once a month for dinner and an evening of discussion with a scholar, diplomat, or policymaker of special competence in an aspect of foreign relations. Meetings are small and informal, and usually held on a not-for-attribution basis in order to encourage candid presentations, frank answers to members' questions, and open discussion between members and visiting speakers. While most speakers come from outside the community, local experts are utilized on occasion.