Connecting Philadelphia to the world.

The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia — actively merging with Citizen Diplomacy International — is a non-partisan, international affairs nonprofit with more than 70 years of expertise in connecting Philadelphia to the world. Through authentic people-to-people diplomacy and exchange of ideas, the Council advances Philadelphia’s understanding of the world by creating the next generation of global citizens and furthering Philadelphia’s position as an international hub for business, education, culture, and sub-national diplomacy. The Council curates speaker programs, professional development, youth education, and public diplomacy. The Council hosts global delegations and travels the world reaching more than 125 countries annually.

Get involved with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia

Join the Council in our mission of bringing global affairs education to Philadelphians of all ages

Join the Council

Become a member to provide year-long support of global affairs education for the youth of Philadelphia. Show your support as one of Philadelphia's premier global citizens and join a wide and diverse community of globally-minded Philadelphians.

Gain access to world affairs

Engage with world leaders, policy shapers, and experts on the most important global issues of our time. Go beyond the headlines to hear directly from these speakers at more than 25 events each year.

Support more than 2,500 Philadelphia students

95% of the world’s population and 85% of global economic growth is outside of the United States. 14% of Philadelphians are foreign-born. Help the Council to prepare Philadelphia’s youth – the next generation of political, cultural, and economic leaders – for success in an increasingly international workforce.

Featured Trip

October 27-03

Cuba and its People featuring the African Diaspora

Join a 7-night Cuban adventure and discover the profound influence of the African diaspora on Cuban culture. Meet entrepreneurs, artists and dancers and learn about their lives during meaningful encounters. Explore Old Havana, Matanzas, an organic farm and more! Come away with a broader perspective of Cuba’s culture and citizens while benefiting and supporting the Cuban people!

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October 28-17

Explore Costa Rica

Seven different departure dates in April, July, August, October, November, and December. Trekking, zip-lining, cloud forests and more! Costa Rica is indeed an “Adventure Capital,” and thrill-seekers will find endless stimulation on this 9-day active tour. Get up close to natural wonders and wildlife in tropical parks and zip-line high above Monteverde’s cloud forest canopy. Visit a sustainable coffee farm and enjoy exhilarating activities up for offer in La Fortuna, nestled at the bottom of Arenal Volcano. Cap off the adventure in Manuel Antonio to scout monkeys, armadillos, sloths and iguanas!

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July 25-04

Exploring Iceland

Travel the breadth of an astonishing land on this 11-day small group tour. From the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula to wondrous Lake Mývatn and jaw-dropping Dettifoss waterfall, Iceland’s many wonders are revealed before a two-night stay in sophisticated Reykjavik. Spend more time discovering Iceland’s colorful capital with a 3-day/2-night post-tour extension.

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August 06-17

Western European Passage: Coasts of Belgium, France, & Spain

The Atlantic ports of Western Europe have long served to connect the continent with the wider world, acting as bases for local and global trade, discovery, and conquest. On this voyage, we discover some of the finest artistic and cultural fruits of that wealth as we sail the length of the coast from the North Sea to Iberia.

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Education Programs

  1. 06 26

    United Nations Summer Camp

    The United Nations Summer Camp: Sustainable Development Goals in Action, is a weeklong summer camp for middle school...

  2. 07 11

    Summer Global Leadership Seminar

    The Summer Global Leadership Seminar is a week-long summer institute open to all rising high school freshman,...

September 02 2022

High School Membership

A High School Membership confers access to all World Affairs Council Education programs! Registration is now open!

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The Council in the News

Bodine students don’t just study other cultures; they live them | The Philadelphia Tribune

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Bodine High School for International Affairs celebrates 40 years | The Philadelphia Tribune

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U.S. policy in Middle East pushes action without strategy | Opinion

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  • It was a terrific week with many excellent speakers. I think it was the best IDC I’ve attended and I’ve been going since 2010. Thanks for putting together such a great week. Everything appeared to go off without a hitch, at least from the attendees' point of view. The clouds even parted and the rain stopped when the group arrived at the Taipei representatives office... I look forward to next year.

    Bill Korstad

    "Inside Washington, DC" traveler
  • On behalf of Bishop Shanahan High School's World Affairs Club students and myself, I would like to thank you for the opportunity that you provided us [to attend an event with Secretary Janet Napolitano]. As always the event was amazing. The chatter in the van on the drive home sealed the testimony--tiny screens and texts were no match for the impact of Madame Secretary Janet Napolitano on teens (and their teacher).

    Joan Hayes

    English Department and World Affairs Club Moderator at Bishop Shanahan High School
  • "[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

Winner of Philadelphia Magazine's Best of Philly 2019 - Speaker Series