The Council of Women World Leaders, which has moved to the Wilson Center but maintains ties to the Aspen Institute, is a network of current and former women prime ministers and presidents established in 1996 by Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, President of Iceland (1980-1996), and Laura Liswood, Secretary General.

The Council's mission is to mobilize the highest-level women leaders globally for collective action on issues of critical importance to women. Through its networks, summits, and partnerships, the Council seeks to promote good governance and to enhance the experience of democracy globally by increasing the number, effectiveness, and visibility of women who lead at the highest levels in their countries.