Council Announces New Chair in Middle East and Africa Studies

Eni S.p.A. has made a $5 million commitment to establish a permanently endowed chair in Middle East and Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). This chair has been named in honor of Eni’s founder, Enrico Mattei, who played a significant role in transforming Eni into a leading global energy company. The Eni Enrico Mattei Chair will be held by a distinguished scholar who will devote his or her time and expertise to the current and emerging foreign policy issues of importance to the Middle East and Africa.

"Eni is proud of its long-standing association with CFR, which will be intensified in a very meaningful way by the establishment of a chair in the name of its founder and still-guiding spirit," said Eni CEO Paolo Scaroni.

"We are honored that Eni S.p.A. chose CFR for this fitting tribute to Enrico Mattei," said CFR President Richard N. Haass. "The regional work of the chair will make a significant contribution to the breadth of the David Rockefeller Studies Program. We are especially indebted to Paolo Scaroni for this tangible vote of confidence in the work of CFR, and to Enzo Viscusi for his dedication to building a strong relationship between Eni and CFR over the years."

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