The first Global Think Tank Summit was held in Beijing in July 2009 under the theme of Sharing Human Wisdom, Seeking Global Development.

The event attracted more than 30 major think tanks from home and abroad, over 100 former government officials, Nobel laureates and representatives from well-known domestic and foreign think tanks, Fortune 500 companies, international organizations and enterprises.

Li Keqiang, then vice-premier of the State Council, delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony.