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

  1. 03 04

    A Conversation with Chris Christie, former Governor of New Jersey

  2. 04 25

    Homeland Security since 9/11 with Janet Napolitano, former Secretary of Homeland Security
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Feb 27, 2019

Is Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper the ‘Antidote to Trump’?

As it has in past presidential nominating cycles, the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia will be inviting many potential and announced candidates for president in 2020 to visit our podium and lay out their case for why they should be the 46th President of the United States.

Location:

DoubleTree by Hilton

237 S. Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

Schedule:

12 p.m. Registration opens

12:15 p.m. Lunch

12:45 p.m. Program

1:45 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.

Join Today

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

July 13-20

Alaska & the Inside Passage

Cruise aboard the Le Soléal to experience unspoiled islands and fjords and historic gold-rush-era towns. Specially arranged expert lecturers join you on board.

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September 07-20

Journey through Britain

Travel from gracious Edinburgh to England’s legendary Lake District; from spectacular Snowdonia to the rural Cotswolds and Roman Bath; ending your journey in cosmopolitan London. Join Dr. Jerry Leach for substantive briefings throughout.

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September 11-19

Apulia

Unpack once! See Trulli, limestone houses with conical roofs, and Sassi, ancient cave dwellings still used today. Visit vibrant cities and charming seaside villages, and taste culinary treasures.

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September 26-04

Rome to Malta

Discover an intriguing mélange of cultures on this seven-night cruise from Rome to Valletta, aboard the Five-Star, 92-suite LE BOUGAINVILLE, featuring Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Sicily’s storied town of Taormina and Malta.

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October 13-20

Understanding the Civil Rights Movement

Our carefully designed program traces the history of this movement which began in 1955. We stop at the major sites of the movement - from Selma to the Little Rock High School - and meet with many of the figures who were involved.

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Upcoming Trips

Education Programs

  1. 03 05

    2019 Global Economic Forum

    The 2019 Global Economic Forum will explore the issues of globalization, automation, and the shifting landscape of the...

  2. 07 08

    2018-19 Summer Global Leadership Seminar

    The 2019 Summer Global Leadership Seminar is a week-long summer program for high school students titled "The Rise of...

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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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Is American Criminal Justice Just?

Political commentator Tara Setmayer, law professor Paul Butler, and lawyer Rick Jones explore how race and ethnicity have come to factor in Americans’ view of the criminal justice system and how that might change.

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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

  • "[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