The World Affairs Council of Charlotte annually recognizes a member of our community who has made a significant impact on our region and enhanced its global standing. Each year, a capacity audience gathers to celebrate and recognize the achievements of the award recipients.

WorldQuest was created by the World Affairs Council of Charlotte in 1997 as part of its international education outreach initiatives. Today, it has become a signature education program for councils around the country.

Teams from local businesses, community groups, non-profit organizations and higher education institutions compete in this international knowledge competition. Participants answer questions related to current events, geography, international politics, world history and foreign policy.

Each year, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte recruits internationally renowned government leaders, authors and policy makers for the Speaker Series Program.

Selected speakers present on diverse topics related to global economic crisis, energy policy and climate change, current events, global health, national and global security, foreign policy, public diplomacy and international affairs.

Current and former ambassadors and high-ranking government officials who visit Charlotte share their insights on diplomatic relationships between the United States and nations around the world through the Ambassadors Circle Series.

Leaders from organizations headquartered in the greater Charlotte area and beyond are hosted through the CEO Series program. These key decision-makers share information about their respective companies from a global perspective, the role they play in economies worldwide and their views on financial markets across the world.

This program analyzes key forces shaping the U.S. and global economies, touching critical topics such as international trade, economic policy, market trends, and the impact of geopolitics on global financial stability through expert-led presentations and panel discussions.

Designed for business leaders, policy professionals, and globally engaged citizens, the series offers timely insights and practical analysis on the economic challenges and opportunities that define today’s interconnected world. Whether addressing supply chain disruptions, inflation, regulatory shifts, or cross-border investments, the Global Economic Speaker Series delivers informed perspectives to help our community stay ahead in a rapidly changing global landscape.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte is proud to partner with Bank of America to highlight global impact of women and promote meaningful dialogue around gender equity. Through a series of thought-provoking panels, events, and community conversations, we are amplifying the voices of women shaping the future of international relations, driving economic development, and leading social change. Together, we aim to inspire action, elevate critical issues facing women globally, and support advancing a more inclusive and equitable world.

Renowned military leaders, intelligence experts, policy analysts, and global security specialists come together to discuss critical issues shaping global and regional security, military strategy, intelligence operations, and the impact of emerging technologies on defense and international stability.

This series offers the Charlotte community unparalleled insights into national security challenges, evolving military capabilities, cybersecurity threats, and diplomatic strategies that protect and shape our interconnected world.

Through conversations with athletes, coaches, industry leaders, and policy experts, the series highlights how sports shape diplomacy, drive economic development, foster cross-cultural understanding, and influence global issues. Aligned with the Council’s mission to connect Charlotte to the world, the Global Sports Series offers unique insights into the powerful role sports play in bridging divides and promoting international engagement.

WACC’s Distinguished Speaker Series, presented virtually, brings global conversations directly to your screen. This signature online program features high-level discussions with international leaders, foreign policy experts, diplomats, economists, and scholars addressing the most pressing global issues of our time.

Designed to keep our community informed and engaged, these virtual events provide exclusive access to expert analysis on international affairs, global security, economic trends, and geopolitical developments. Each session includes interactive Q&A opportunities, enabling participants to engage directly with the speakers and explore topics beyond the headlines.

Through our evening Voyagers Club events, members enjoy wonderful international cuisine (and wine) and lively dialogue in a small-group setting about international issues affecting our city, the state and the world in which we live. Presentations and discussions are facilitated by local and regional experts.

YPWACC is a network of internationally-minded young professionals in the Charlotte area committed to engaging in social and educational activities that promote global understanding. We are dedicated to encouraging young adults to “explore the world in Charlotte” through international speaker events, documentary screenings, networking events, happy hours, and dining opportunities.

While culinary diplomacy is a relatively new field in the realm of international relations, the idea itself can be traced back to the ancient Romans, who often made peace with their enemies over a good meal. In the past decade, countries including Thailand, Peru, and South Korea have embraced the concept, independently launching country branding programs that promote their cuisines to the world.

The U.S. formally joined the fun in 2012, when the U.S. Secretary of State kicked off the Diplomatic Culinary Partnership, recruiting 80 food professionals from across the country to cook for foreign diplomats and travel abroad to promote American cuisine and ingredients.

Throughout the year WACC offers exclusive opportunities for small group discussion time with our renowned speakers, experts and foreign dignitaries at our Private Dinners.

For a local perspective on the economy, the Business Breakfast Series provides insight from Charlotte-area experts about the impact of global economic and business trends on North Carolina and the Charlotte community.

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Council members participate in international travel opportunities provided through the WACC Travel Advantage Program that include sightseeing, special briefings and “behind the scene” tours presented by political leaders and local experts. Since 2007, the Council has organized trips to:

• Spain
• Cuba
• Morocco
• Italy
• China
• Ireland
• Croatia
• Brazil/Argentina
• Turkey
• Vietnam/Cambodia/Thailand
• Chile/Easter Island
• South Africa/Zimbabwe/Botswana

and more.

Co-sponsored together with UNC Charlotte’s Office of International Programs, the Great Decisions series highlights eight of the most thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans each year. Great Decisions provides background information, current data and policy options for each issue and serves as the focal text for discussion groups.