About JCI

 

Founded in USA in 1915, in Italy in 1962 and in Varese in 1985, JCI (Junior Chamber International) is a membership-based nonprofit organization of 200,000 young people ages 18 to 40 in 5,000 communities and more than 100 countries around the world.

Each JCI Member shares the belief that in order to create lasting positive change, we must improve ourselves and the world around us.

We seek targeted solutions to the unique problems in our communities to build a better world, creating global impact.

As an international non-governmental organization (NGO) with active participation in the UN system, JCI’s international partners include big names in global development, capacity building and international cooperation. Our partnerships are based in mutual goals and a synergy with the JCI Mission and Values, creating the maximum impact to support the local work our members do every day. So, our partners are: United Nations, UN Global Compact, International Chamber of Commerce-World Chambers Federation (ICC-WCF), UN Foundation, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

JCI also maintains relationships with the Conference on Nongovernmental Organizations (CONGO), AIESEC, NGO Committee on UNICEF and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

 

The JCI Mission

To provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.

The JCI Vision

To be the leading global network of young active citizens.

The JCI Values

That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life
That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations
That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise
That government should be of laws rather than of men
That earth's great treasure lies in human personality
And that service to humanity is the best work of life.

Programs with Partners

On the international level, JCI partners with global organizations with mutual values and goals to maximize the impact of the local work our members do every day.

United Nations and the UN Millennium Development Goals

JCI has officially partnered with the UN since 1954. In 2003, JCI committed to advancing the UN Millennium Development Goals, a set of time-bound targets for poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women. JCI Members organize thousands of projects every year committed to advancing the goals and using the UN MDGs as a framework.

At JCI’s many Leadership Summits, held in collaboration with the UN, delegates join with representatives from key partners to focus on a current issue and seek workable solutions for members to enact locally.

UN Global Compact and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

The UN Global Compact works to advance Ten Principles of CSR in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. JCI partners with the UN Global Compact to teach small- and medium-sized enterprises how to be responsible and profitable in a competitive global market.

International Chamber of Commerce-World Chambers Federation (ICC-WCF) and Global Economic Progress

The ICC is the voice of world business championing the global economy as a force for economic growth. Through our partnership with the ICC-WCF, JCI Local Organizations work with local chambers of commerce on projects to advance global economic progress and encourage entrepreneurship, including the JCI Best Business Plan Competition (JCI BBP). Through JCI BBP young entrepreneurs are awarded for integrating the principles of social responsibility into their business plans.

Combating Malaria with the UN Foundation and JCI Nothing But Nets

Malaria is the leading killer of children in Africa, but this deadly disease can be prevented with the use of insecticide-treated bed nets. Through JCI Nothing But Nets, a campaign in partnership with the UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets initiative, JCI members work to purchase and distribute bed nets and educate families on their proper use.

Encouraging Innovation with Flanders District of Creativity

The JCI Creative Young Entrepreneur Award (JCI CYEA), run in partnership with Flanders District of Creativity, recognizes outstanding young individuals who have started a business using creativity or have improved an existing business through innovative problem solving. Highlighting these young innovators inspires JCI Members to strive for creativity in their endeavors and prove how creative concepts can translate into practical business solutions.

Pan American Health Organization and Child Health

JCI has worked with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) since 1994 to implement cooperation agreements focusing on children in Latin American National Organizations. Enjoying international recognition as part of the United Nations system, PAHO serves as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization. PAHO supports JCI National Organizations in Latin America to implement projects related to MDG 4: reduce child mortality.