The Club of Rome's essential mission is "to act as a global catalyst for change through the identification and analysis of the crucial problems facing humanity and the communication of such problems to the most important public and private decision makers as well as to the general public."

The Club of Rome is a not-for-profit organisation, independent of any political, ideological or religious interests.

Its activities should: "adopt a global perspective with awareness of the increasing interdependence of nations. They should, through holistic thinking, achieve a deeper understanding of the complexity of contemporary problems and adopt a trans-disciplinary and long-term perspective focusing on the choices and policies determining the destiny of future generations."

The activities of the Club are guided by the General Assembly of its members which meets once a year. The General Assembly elects the members of a small Executive Committee which supervises the activities of the Club. At present the Club has two Co-Presidents, Dr. Ashok Khosla of India and Dr. Eberhard von Koerber of Germany, and two Vice-Presidents, Professor Heitor Gurgulino de Souza of Brazil and Dr. Anders Wijkman of Sweden. The work of the International Club is supported by a small secretariat in Winterthur, Canton Zurich, Switzerland under the leadership of Martin Lees of the United Kingdom.

In contrast to many other not-for-profit organisations, the work of the Club of Rome is driven by the participation and efforts of its membership. Its members come from the scientific, political, business, financial, academic, religious, cultural and civil society communities.

There can be up to 100 full members of the Club of Rome. Together, they currently represent over 30 countries in five continents. Emphasis is placed on maintaining an internationally representative balance of nationality, culture, gender and expertise.

A number of distinguished international personalities participate in the work of the Club and lend their support as Honorary Members of the Club of Rome. Associate membership is generally aimed at professionals who are aspiring in their careers and have a personal interest in the work of the Club.

To encourage participation of younger generations, the Club of Rome set-up Think Tank 30, known as tt30, in 2000. This network of young professionals has a membership of 30 around the age of 30 and adds a fresh perspective to the thinking of the Club.

The work of the Club is strengthened and amplified by the activities of the National Associations in over 30 countries worldwide. Through their national and regional activities they contribute directly to the deepening and expansion of the work of the International Club. The European Support Centre, located in Vienna, is responsible for supporting the activities of the National Associations and promoting collaboration among them.

The Club of Rome aims to collaborate continuously with worldwide organisations and individuals who share the same values, aspirations and long-term vision.