Democracy demands discourse.

The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization dedicated to informing and engaging people of all ages on matters of national and international significance. The Council provides its members and the greater Philadelphia community with access to influential figures in the global arena as well as opportunities to visit fascinating destinations through its unique travel program. With the support of individual and corporate members, the Council's global education program enhances the education of area students who are the citizens, workforce, and leaders of the future. Carrying its mission beyond Philadelphia, the Council produces the national public television series, The Whole Truth with David Eisenhower.

Upcoming events

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    Is the Bear Back in the Woods, and How Should the Eagle Respond?

  2. 12 10

    70 Years of the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights
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Nov 29, 2018

21st Century Medicine: What are the Breakthroughs and What Will They Mean?

As we move deeper into the 21st-century, what are the areas of greatest promise in medical science, where are the breakthroughs, and if breakthroughs are achieved, what will they mean for individuals and society?

Location:

Dorrance H. Hamilton Building Thomas Jefferson University

1001 Locust Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

Schedule:

5 p.m. Registration opens

5-6 p.m. Reception

6 p.m. Program

7:30 p.m. Conclusion

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Become a Member

Whether you're a student, a business professional, or an individual with a keen interest in the news and the world around you, you'll discover the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia to be one of the best ways to fulfill those interests.

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Meet world leaders and experts.

The Council is one of the top public policy forums in the nation and offers a diverse series of more than 30 substantive speaker events on a variety of topics each year.

Support the Next Generation.

The Council's nationally acclaimed world affairs youth education and development program has become a staple of the curriculum of major school districts in southern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and northern Delaware.

Travel the World.

When you travel with the Council, you won't just experience the vacation of a lifetime, you'll also meet political leaders and local experts who give behind-the-scenes views and briefings that make our trips unique.

Discover "The Whole Truth."

Half hour episodes of the Council's public television series, which tackles some of the weightiest public affairs issues of our time, focus on global and long-term issues.

Featured Trip

January 29-05

Caribbean Cruise

Join Ambassador Philip Hughes as you cruise aboard the Sea Cloud to Barbados, St. Lucia, Nevis, St. Kitts and St. Eustatius, and St. Barthélemy before stepping ashore at Iles des Saintes, and conclude in Antigua.

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May 06-11

Inside Washington, D.C.

Our hallmark program! 5-night schedule of inside the beltway small-group briefings and cultural highlights.

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May 15-23

Provence & Burgundy

Explore Arles, Avignon, Orange, Beaune, Lyon and the Beaujolais vineyards. Michelle Harpenau, Executive Director, World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, will be leading this tour.

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June 25-30

Tuscany Biking

Bike from the verdant hills of the Tuscan countryside to the crystalline waters of the Silver Coast. From the hilltop medieval village of Capalbio, to the beautiful beaches of Ansedonia, take in stunning views of the sea. Dine and taste celebrated Tuscan wines at state-of-the-art Le Mortelle winery.

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June 21-01

Arctic Expedition

Voyage through the Arctic Circle on this extraordinary 11-day itinerary featuring a seven-night cruise on the Five-Star L’AUSTRAL. Accompanied by Dr. Carla Thorson, explore the politics of this Arctic region.

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Upcoming Trips

Education Programs

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    2018 International Student Summit

    Rising Africa: A Path to a Sustainable, Egalitarian Future. Join us for our first education program of the 2018-19...

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2018-19 High School Membership

Registration for the 2018-19 academic year is now open! A High School Membership gives access to the Council's suite of educational programming, as well as access to the Council's speaker events.

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Alternative Energy Futures

Research engineer Howard Herzog, Dr. Balakrishnan Nair, co-founder of wave energy company Oscilla Power, Dr. Jose Reyes, co-founder of NuScale Power - the company behind America's first small modular nuclear reactor - and Dr. Chris Case, CTO of Oxford Photovoltaics in England, discuss options for new energy alternatives to meet world power needs.

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The Council in the News

Like a candidate: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon spoke big in Philly

Read more on Philly.com

JPMorgan Chase plans 50 Philly branches as other banks close

Read more on Philly.com

Jamie Dimon says JPMorgan in Philadelphia for the long haul

Read more in the Philadelphia Business Journal

Jamie Dimon Says It Will Take 25 Years for Bailouts to Be Forgiven

Read more in Bloomberg

  • "[The Whole Truth is]…a refreshingly thoughtful look at the challenges facing our country and the world. No shouting, no talking over each other; just respectful debate and discussion.”

    The Exeter Bulletin

  • “When traveling abroad, we like to get the real ‘feel’ of the country through sight, sounds & smells. This trip accomplished all spades! History, architecture, political atmosphere, social situations and seeing the standard of living up close and personal. The music and spirit of the people can only truly be appreciated by being in the country. Many thanks for a wonderful experience!”

    Suzanne Simpson, CT

  • “[The Whole Truth brings the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia’s] lecture and discussion series, considered to be a jewel on the political and diplomatic circuit, to a wider audience, one that did not have to be present in a Philadelphia auditorium to partake or participate in often probing debates.”

    Delaware County Daily Times

  • “This tour was wonderful! Our Cuban guide was one of the best! She knew a lot of history as well as current issues.”

    Dianna Jabis, NY

  • “The Game Drives were the highlight of this trip. Seeing the large animals in their natural habitats was just spectacular!”

    Barbara Weiss, CA