Los Angeles World Affairs Council & Town Hall

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Los Angeles World Affairs Council & Town Hall

As a non-partisan organization, the Council does not endorse any point of view or take any institutional stand on issues of public debate.

The Los Angeles World Affairs Council (LAWAC) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing global and civic engagement among Angelenos through forward-thinking programs. By facilitating forward-thinking events with leading experts in international and domestic affairs, LAWACTH promotes an enriching dialogue for its members and the general public to understand the connection betw

een Los Angeles and the world. Speakers at Los Angeles World Affairs Council events typically include top representatives of foreign governments (primarily presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers, and ambassadors), major figures in American politics, business leaders, journalists and authors, public intellectuals and other notable individuals from fields as diverse as religion, arts & entertainment, science and technology. We welcome a wide variety of opinions from our speakers and our members. As an institution dedicated to furthering global understanding, we also endeavor to represent as many nations as possible in our program offerings.

07/08/2026

Join the Los Angeles World Affairs Council on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood for the 2026 World Prize Gala, a distinguished evening celebrating individuals whose leadership, dedication and contributions have advanced global understanding, cooperation and progress.

This year's distinguished honorees include internationally recognized actress, artist, producer, humanitarian and New York Times bestselling author Sharon Stone; President and CEO Emeritus of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Health System Thomas M. Priselac; and respected philanthropist, civic leader and real estate developer Lynda Boone Fetter.

Hosted by nine-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Giselle Fernandez, the evening will bring together leaders from diplomacy, business, philanthropy and civic life in celebration of leadership, service and the power of global engagement.

Join us for one of Los Angeles' premier gatherings dedicated to fostering dialogue, honoring excellence and shaping a more connected world.

To learn more and reserve your table, visit lawacworldprizegala.org.

06/08/2026

The Los Angeles World Affairs Council is pleased to welcome Nick Russell to its Board of Directors, bringing extensive experience in international trade, public policy and global affairs to support the Council's mission.

An international trade attorney at Akin, Russell advises companies, governments and nonprofit organizations on complex legal, legislative and regulatory matters in the United States and abroad, with a particular focus on emerging technologies and international policy. He previously served as a senior advisor to U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Bill Nelson and maintains a pro bono practice centered on international communities and issues.

“LA’s strength comes from its diversity across many dimensions. By harnessing the power of ideas from every corner of our region, the Los Angeles World Affairs Council fosters a brighter future for everyone,” said Russell. “In promoting civil discourse and mutual understanding, it demonstrates how an informed and engaged citizenry can unlock new worlds, and I am honored to support this important mission.”

We are excited to welcome Nick to the Board and look forward to the leadership, expertise and global perspective he will bring as the Council continues to foster meaningful dialogue and international engagement.

05/08/2026

The Los Angeles World Affairs Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Cottrell as executive director, bringing more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, philanthropy and international affairs to advance the Council’s mission.

Throughout his career, Cottrell has built strategic partnerships, advanced transformational fundraising initiatives and led efforts that bring together leaders across the nonprofit, business, government and philanthropic sectors. Most recently, he served in a leadership role at Cedars-Sinai, where he helped support the institution’s successful $1 billion fundraising campaign. Previously, he held leadership roles with The German Marshall Fund of the United States, promoting international leadership initiatives across the United States and 38 European countries.

"The challenges and opportunities facing our world demand informed conversations, diverse perspectives and meaningful civic engagement," said Cottrell. "I am looking forward to building on the Council's remarkable legacy and supporting the Board’s vision of connecting people, ideas and communities in ways that strengthen Los Angeles and deepen understanding of the world around us."

Join us in welcoming Kevin Cottrell as he leads the next chapter of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council’s commitment to global dialogue, civic engagement and informed leadership.

20/07/2026

Who's on the November ballot? California's certified June 2026 Primary Election results are in. Swipe to see the candidates advancing to the General Election.

17/07/2026

Iranian Drones Evolved: How Western Sanctions Created a Drone Superpower

The Los Angeles World Affairs Council Young Professionals Program hosted a discussion examining the rise of Iran's drone capabilities and their implications for modern conflict. Featuring Dr. Benjamin Radd and Dr. Mietek Boduszyński and moderated by Mark Kahanding, the conversation explored how decades of sanctions, regional competition, and technological adaptation contributed to the development of Iran's drone program.

Panelists discussed the effectiveness of sanctions as a foreign policy tool, the growing role of drones in asymmetric warfare, Iran's use of regional partners to project influence, and the strategic lessons emerging from conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The discussion also addressed how advances in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems may continue to reshape future security environments.

Click the link below to watch the full recording:
https://youtu.be/Xbf83PbrMdk?si=zcW0AcKIJijOsCzx

13/07/2026

As the World Cup takes place in major cities around the US, sports are increasingly serving as a tool of diplomacy to manage and advance national and international interests. Ashleigh Huffman, Ph.D., Sr. director of strategic partnerships at the Aspen Institute spoke with the Los Angeles World Affairs Council about the significance of sports diplomacy.

06/07/2026

As the war in Iran persists, new and innovative warfare tactics are being utilized as a means of coercion.

If you want to know more about the usage of drone warfare in the Iran War and its implications for future warfare, join the Los Angeles World Affairs Council Young Professionals for "Iranian Drones Evolved: How Western Sanctions Created a Drone Superpower" an evening conversation examining how sanctions inadvertently contributed to the rise of Iran’s drone capabilities and its implications for global security.

Panelists will explore the evolution of unmanned aerial systems in warfare, including their use in surveillance, asymmetric combat and influence operations. The discussion will also consider how drone technology is being leveraged to document war crimes and support accountability efforts, underscoring the dual-use nature of these tools in contemporary conflict environments.

Click here to register now!
https://members.lawac.org/ap/Events/Register/jKFzJ7diZCkCE

04/07/2026

The Los Angeles World Affairs Council wishes you all a safe and happy July 4th as we celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence!

Photo: Highsmith, Carol M., 1946-, photographer

02/07/2026

Join the Los Angeles World Affairs Council Young Professionals for "Iranian Drones Evolved: How Western Sanctions Created a Drone Superpower," an evening conversation examining how sanctions inadvertently contributed to the rise of Iran's drone capabilities and the implications for global security.

This program will examine how sanctions inadvertently contributed to the rise of Iran’s drone capabilities and what this means for global security. Panelists will explore the evolution of unmanned aerial systems in warfare, including their use in surveillance, asymmetric combat, and influence operations, as well as how drone technology is being leveraged to document war crimes and support accountability efforts, underscoring the dual-use nature of these tools in contemporary conflict environments.

Tickets are now available to all Los Angeles World Affairs Council members (seating is limited).

Click the link below to reserve your seat now!
https://members.lawac.org/ap/Events/Register/jKFzJ7diZCkCE

Please note: The venue is not elevator accessible and is accessible only via stairs.

29/06/2026

On March 13, 2018, former US Secretary of Labor Robert Reich spoke with the Los Angeles World Affairs Council about the state of income inequality, President Trump’s first term, tariffs and the promising future of America’s youth.

Robert Reich was appointed as the US Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton, where he served from 1993 to 1997. During his time as US Secretary of Labor, Reich helped spearhead the School-to-Work Opportunities Act (1994), the Retirement Protection Act (1994) and frequently lobbied for more protective worker safety legislation such as the crackdown of sweatshops and unsafe worksites.

Click the link in our bio to listen to his speech.

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Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

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+14242586160

Website

http://www.lawac.org/

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