Hear first-hand from world leaders and dignitaries on current global developments at WACC programs and events We connect the world to Charlotte through community engagement and public discourse. WACC programs provide excellent networking opportunities & corporate visibility through membership and sponsorship WACC programs provide opportunity for one-on-one interaction with leaders who are driving change around the world. Explore the world with the World Affairs Council of Charlotte through the Travel Advantage Program

Featured Events

November 12, 2026: Joint WorldQuest / Academic WorldQuest 2026 (In Memory of Pierre Lipton)

On November 12, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte will gather at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown for a joint evening of Academic WorldQuest and WorldQuest as high school students and adult teams play side by side, testing what they know about the world. This year's competition is held in memory of Pierre Lipton, who lived that very arc: first as an Academic WorldQuest competitor for Myers Park High School, and later as a WorldQuest player with the Charlottans.

November 4th, 2026: WACC Program Partnership “Gänsebraten / Roast Goose Dinner” with Dr. Robert Engelhorn, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing Co.

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte is pleased to welcome Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, national security and foreign policy expert, Army Reserve officer and author of Why National Security Matters, for a conversation on America's next moves in the Middle East as the war in Iran stretches beyond six months. What does the Iran War tell us about the limits and future of American power? Castleberry-Hernandez will offer insight into lessons emerging from the war in Iran, from America's projection of power and deterrence, its alliance with Israel, threats to U.S. national security, and the broader implications of America's grand strategy in the Middle East.

October 28th, 2026: WACC National Security Series Lecture with Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, Former Senior Advisor, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Army Reserve, and Grand Strategist

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte is pleased to welcome Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, national security and foreign policy expert, Army Reserve officer and author of Why National Security Matters, for a conversation on America's next moves in the Middle East as the war in Iran stretches beyond six months. What does the Iran War tell us about the limits and future of American power? Castleberry-Hernandez will offer insight into lessons emerging from the war in Iran, from America's projection of power and deterrence, its alliance with Israel, threats to U.S. national security, and the broader implications of America's grand strategy in the Middle East.

Video Highlights

WACC in the News

Charlotte Optimist: ’20 Years is Like 20 minutes’: What Chicago Can Teach Charlotte in a Hurry Link

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Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins (WFAE): Journalist David Sanger Discusses the Changing U.S. Role on the Global Stage Listen Now

Union County Public Schools: A School Counselor’s Trip Abroad Shapes How She Supports Students at Home. Read Now

Inside UNC Charlotte: UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber honored with World Citizen Award. Read Now

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Roll Call: An Election That’s Bigger Than One Country. Read Now

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Charlotte Ledger: Rick Steves is Traveling with a Mission. Read More

Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins (WFAE): Getting to Know Travel Extraordinaire Rick Steves. Listen Now

Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins (WFAE): A Conversation with Fiona Hill — Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and the White House’s former top Russia adviser. Listen Now

Atrium Health: Dr. Derek Raghavan Reflects on Upcoming Retirement. Read Now

FOX 46 Charlotte: Retired Lieutenant General in Charlotte Gives Insight Into Russia-Ukraine War. Watch Now (YouTube)

WFAE: Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins — Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General US Army Europe and Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA). Listen Now

WFAE: Delays Push Carolina Theatre Project To 2022, Hotel Coming Later. Read More

Charlotte Business Journal: Top Execs at Atrium Health, Wake Forest Discuss Why the Combination Made Sense. Read More

Charlotte Business Journal: President of Truist Financial Emphasizes Focus on Community Impact, Innovation at Charlotte Luncheon. Read More

WFAE: The President’s Finger Is The Only One On ‘The Button.’ Listen Now

WFAE: Charlotte MLS Team President Talks Atlanta Rivalry, Big Tepper Sports Plans. Read More