In 2006, the Board of Directors of the Global Health Council initiated a comprehensive strategic planning process for the Global Health Council to prepare it for the next five years in the quickly evolving world of global health. The strategic planning process conducted by the Global Health Council included the following components: Environmental scan comprised of interviews with 42 people and organizations representing major stakeholders in the global health arena, which resulted in a final report of findings SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) completed by staff Staff retreat to elicit input on the Council core purpose, values, “best at” statement and overarching long term goal Work sessions to formalize our purpose and values statements, organizational goals, strategies, objectives, milestones and activities Financial analysis of the organization today, as well as projected financial needs and resources Board approval upon review of the Strategic Plan in its final form