Ambassadors Circle Series

The WACC Ambassadors Circle Series brings current and former ambassadors to Charlotte, where they share firsthand insights into the complex world of diplomacy. These distinguished speakers discuss their experiences negotiating international agreements, strengthening alliances, and navigating geopolitical challenges.

Conversations explore the diplomatic relationships between the United States and nations across the globe, offering a deeper understanding of foreign policy, international cooperation, and global affairs.

This series provides a rare opportunity to hear directly from seasoned diplomats about the critical role of diplomacy in shaping the world.

Past speakers include the following: 

  • H.E. Jovita Neliupšienė, Ambassador of the European Union to the U.S.
  • H.E. Andreas Michaelis, Ambassador of Germany to the U.S.
  • H.E. Esteban Moctezuma, Ambassador of Mexico to the U.S.
  • H.E. Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S.
  • H.E. Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, Ambassador of Qatar to the U.S.
  • H.E. Masood Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to the U.S.
  • H.E. Mariangela Zappia, Ambassador of Italy to the U.S.
  • H.E. Jacques Pitteloud, Ambassador of Switzerland to the U.S.
  • Jo Ellen Powell, former Ambassador to Mauritania and Executive
    Director of the Una Chapman Cox Foundation
  • Marie Yovanovitch, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine
  • H.E. Ebrahim Rasool, Ambassador of South Africa to the U.S.
  • Ryan Crocker, former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait and Lebanon
  • H.E. Emanuel Gonzalez-Revilla, Ambassador of Panama to the U.S.
  • H.E. Johan Verbeke, Ambassador of Belgium to the U.S.
  • H.E. György Szapáry, Ambassador of Hungary to the U.S.
  • H.E. Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador of Japan to the U.S.
  • H.E. Björn Lyrvall, Ambassador of Sweden to the U.S.
  • H.E. D. Ramon Gil-Casares Satrustegui, Ambassador of Spain to the U.S.
  • H.E. Eduardo Medina Mora Icaza, Ambassador of Mexico to the U.S.
  • H.E. Gary Doer, Ambassador of Canada to the U.S.
  • H.E. Mauro Vieira, Ambassador of Brazil to the U.S.
  • H.E. Nuno Brito, Ambassador of Portugal to the U.S.
  • H.E Sergey Ivanovich Kislyak, Ambassador of Russia to the U.S.
  • H.E.Arun Singh, Ambassador of India to the U.S.
  • H.E Ashok Kumar Mirpuri, Ambassador of Singapore to the U.S.
  • H.E. Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France to the U.S.
  • H.E. Anne Anderson, Ambassador of Ireland to the U.S.

Ambassadors Circle Series Events

February 25, 2025: WACC Ambassadors Circle Series with H.E. Nicole Bintner-Bakshian, the Ambassador of Luxembourg to the United States

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte for an engaging luncheon featuring Her Excellency Nicole Bintner-Bakshian, Ambassador of Luxembourg to the United States. Ambassador Bintner-Bakshian will provide unique insights into the strong and enduring relationship between Luxembourg and the U.S., highlighting areas of collaboration in diplomacy, trade, and global security.

January 29, 2025: WACC Ambassadors Circle Series with H.E. Jovita Neliupšienė, Ambassador of the European Union to the United States

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte will host H.E. Jovita Neliupšienė, Ambassador of the European Union to the United States on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, as part of our Ambassadors Circle Series. This exclusive discussion will explore the evolving relationship between the European Union and the United States—a partnership critical to global stability and progress. In the face of pressing global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, war, climate change, conflict, and economic uncertainty, the EU and U.S. remain united in advancing shared values of democracy, innovation, and sustainable growth.