World Affairs Council of Charlotte

By serving as a regional center for education and discussion of world affairs, the Council seeks to provide leadership for global thinking, believing that a broad perspective is necessary for effective competition in the global economy and for responsible citizenship.Major Educational ProgramsSpeaker Series: Each year, the WAC Charlotte recruits internationally renowned government leaders, authors and policy makers for the WACC Speaker Series Program. Selected speakers present on diverse topics to include the global economic crisis, energy policy and climate change, current events, global health, national and global security, foreign policy, public diplomacy and international affairs. Distinguished Speaker Series: Beginning in 2020, the Council began producing virtual programming, including webinars and meetings. The Council hosts ambassadors, academics, economists, journalists, etc. from around the world in a virtual programming model.Ambassadors Circle Series: Current and former ambassadors and high-ranking government officials who visit Charlotte often talk about the relationship of the U.S. with countries around the world and the benefits of those strategic diplomatic partnerships through the Ambassadors Circle Series.CEO Series: The Councils CEO Speaker Series hosts chief executive officers from organizations headquartered in the greater Charlotte area who share information about their respective companies from a global perspective, the role they play in economies worldwide and their views of the global economy and financial markets across the world.WorldQuest: Teams from the Charlotte community, formed by universities, corporations, social groups, etc. are invited to compete for awards in this international trivia competition. Though WorldQuest was originally created for adults, the overwhelming popularity led to the Council offering Academic WorldQuest for local high school students. Academic WorldQuest: Based on the adult model, teams from local public and private high schools in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties are invited to compete for awards in this international trivia competition. This event has gained in popularity so that many schools have an Academic WorldQuest Coach and students compete for the honor of representing their schools. Council Scholars: This program recognizes outstanding Charlotte area teachers, grades PK-12, who have demonstrated a commitment to, and interest in international education. Each award of $3,500 may be used to attend international/domestic conferences or to participate in study abroad programs. Many teachers use these funds for travel and are able to bring back and share with their students new perspectives, enriching and enhancing the classroom experience.Young Professionals of WACC (YPWACC) YPWACC is a network of internationally minded young professionals in the Charlotte area committed to engaging in social and educational activities that promote global and cultural understanding. YPWACC is dedicated to encouraging young adults (ages 21-40) to "bring the world to Charlotte" through events such as the Drink About It Series, Global Social Happy Hours, Activity Mixers, International Career Panels and Adventures in Dining.World Citizen Award Dinner: The World Citizen Award Dinner has become an important part of the educational and international fabric of the Queen City. The Charlotte Council annually presents the World Citizen Award to a prominent individual or organization that has enhanced our communitys global standing through accomplishments of international significance. Each year, a capacity audience gathers to celebrate and recognize the achievements of the award recipients.Business Breakfast Series: For a local perspective on the economy, the Business Breakfast Series provides insight from Charlotte-area business experts and key decision-makers about the impact of global events on North Carolina and the Charlotte community.Great Decisions: Co-sponsored together with UNC Charlotte, the Great Decisions program highlights eight of the most thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans each year. Great Decisions provides background information, current data and policy options for each issue and serves as the focal text for discussion groups.International Womens Day: International Women's Day is a global celebration of women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements, and the progress that has been made towards gender equality. It is observed annually on March 8th, and is a day for individuals and organizations around the world to come together and promote women's rights and empowerment. The World Affairs Council, in partnership with Bank of America, is one of the organizations that hosts an annual International Women's Day event. This event is an opportunity to highlight the contributions of women in various fields, as well as the challenges they still face. The event features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and other activities that aim to educate and inspire attendees. Through this partnership, the World Affairs Council and Bank of America are able to bring together diverse perspectives and expertise to address the complex issues facing women around the world. This collaboration underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing gender equality and empowering women to achieve their full potential.National Security Series: Current and past military leaders and defense and national security experts offer their perspectives on the management of threats to security here in the United States and abroad to the Charlotte community.

Travel Advantage Program Through the WACC Travel Advantage Program, members are able to participate in international travel opportunities that include sightseeing highlights, in addition to special briefings and behind the scene tours presented by political leaders and local experts. Most recently, WACC members traveled to Croatia and Slovenia (September and October 2022), Basque Country (June 2022), Chile and Argentina (March 2020), Greece (September 2019), Peru (May 2019), Japan (October 2018), India (October 2017), and Mittel Europe (May 2017).