About the Council

The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia (the Council) is the region’s largest and oldest international affairs nonprofit with a combined 130 years of expertise in connecting Philadelphia to the world.

The Council is a nonpartisan, nonprofit that promotes speaker programs, youth education, travel, and professional exchanges. The Council hosts global delegations and travels the world reaching more than 125 countries annually.

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, and culture.

Speaker Events

The Council offers unique access to some of the most influential figures shaping policy today, where people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs can understand cross-cultural perspectives through respectful conversation and public diplomacy.

Education

Fueling the region’s future leaders, the Council offers students — ages 11 and up — educational experiences, in-school curriculum, and diverse programming to create citizen diplomats and international problem solvers.

Travel

The Council leads domestic and international tours to all seven continents where travelers engage in meetings with government officials and diplomats, develop people-to-people diplomacy, and receive in-depth cultural, historical, and political experiences.

Professional Leadership Exchange

The Council’s leadership exchanges forge personal and professional connections with visitors from abroad through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program and the City of Philadelphia’s Sister Cities. Its Global Leadership Institute trains business leaders, empowering a workforce prepared to do business internationally.

Membership and Development

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. Membership at all levels gives you access to the most influential figures of the national and international scene, as well as opportunities to develop social and professional contacts through networking. Firms serve their customers and clients and, collectively, the Council serves the community and country.