World Affairs Council of Philadelphia

World Affairs Council of Philadelphia Where continents, cultures, and ideas connect.

📰 What an insightful, informative, and impactful event! 🗞️ On October 1, World Affairs had the honor of hosting Evan Ger...
10/07/2026

📰 What an insightful, informative, and impactful event! 🗞️

On October 1, World Affairs had the honor of hosting Evan Gershkovich, Foreign Correspondent at the Wall Street Journal, to tell the story of his near-500-day imprisonment in Russia as detailed in his new book, "This Cursed, Beautiful Land: A Russian-American Story."

The event began with a light reception on the terrace of The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center, followed by welcome remarks from World Affairs President & CEO, Lauren Swartz.

Thus began a conversation about Gershkovich's experience inside Russian prison, his life before the arrest as a foreign journalist in Moscow, his connection to the Philadelphia region, and more.

The speaker portion of the event ended with an audience Q&A, kicked off by students from William W. Bodine High School for International Affairs, with a little help from our Youth Diplomats!

Thank you, Evan, for visiting Philadelphia and sharing your story of resolve and journalistic integrity in the face of authoritarian pressure!

Special thanks to The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center for hosting us for this event, Crown Publishing, and our promotional partners MacDowell, National Museum of American Jewish History, The Philadelphia Citizen, Pen & Pencil Club, and Archeparchy of Philadelphia - Філадельфійська Архиєпархія УГКЦ.

Are you a globally minded high school junior or senior? Are you passionate about global affairs, cross-cultural understa...
10/06/2026

Are you a globally minded high school junior or senior?

Are you passionate about global affairs, cross-cultural understanding, world languages, or learning about different cultures? Apply to become a Global Scholar!

The Global Scholars Certificate Program is a free initiative recognizing high school students in the Greater Philadelphia region who have demonstrated a commitment to global learning through their coursework, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.

Global Scholars receive:
- An official certificate and letter of recognition
- A graduation cord
- The opportunity to complete a global-focused capstone project and presentation - Media recognition

Want to learn more? Join us for one of our upcoming Global Scholars Information Sessions:

Thursday, October 22 | 4:30–5:30 PM
In person at the World Affairs' office
https://heyor.ca/95vPdd

Tuesday, October 27 | 4:30–5:30 PM
Virtual
https://heyor.ca/hqabMn

Come learn about the program requirements, capstone project, and how you can become a Global Scholar.

Applications are open now at https://heyor.ca/zx26vy

👻 BOO! 👻 🗣️ You won't want to miss this spectacular lineup of October programming at World Affairs!🗒️ On October 1, the ...
10/05/2026

👻 BOO! 👻

🗣️ You won't want to miss this spectacular lineup of October programming at World Affairs!

🗒️ On October 1, the month kicked off with "An Evening with Evan Gershkovich" at the Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center! This incredible event featured impactful conversation between President & CEO Lauren Swartz, and Evan Gershkovich surrounding his new book and experiences during his near-500-day imprisonment in Russia.

🛣️ On October 8, join us at our home venue as World Affairs welcomes author and former Director of the Penn Middle East Center, John Ghazvinian, for a conversation entitled "At a Crossroads: The Future of U.S. - Iran Relations." This conversation will be moderated by NBC10 Philadelphia reporter, Lauren Mayk!

🌎 Expand your world on October 21 with our "World Affairs Connect" fall networking reception! Enjoy light refreshments as you connect with fellow globally minded Philadelphians for an evening of networking at our home venue.

📲 On October 28th, join World Affairs in welcoming Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, journalist, and Co-Founder & CEO of Rappler, Maria Ressa, as she speaks about her experiences as a journalist, the everchanging landscape of artificial intelligence and technology, and press freedom across the world.

🌐 More information about these events and more can be found at our website here: https://heyor.ca/IZE3zo

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Telemundo 62

🎨 ART UNVEILED! 🖌️Last week, a historic mural collaboration between Philadelphia & Frankfurt was unveiled! Over the cour...
10/05/2026

🎨 ART UNVEILED! 🖌️

Last week, a historic mural collaboration between Philadelphia & Frankfurt was unveiled! Over the course of 2026, students from Philadelphia & Frankfurt participated in workshops to inspire the design of a mural celebrating the shared history between the two cities as the seats of democracy in their respective countries.

With the expertise of Philadelphia mural artist, Iacona, and Frankfurt mural artist , the mural came together in spectacular fashion.

Thank you to the Philadelphia Lead Funder of this project, U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt. We are also grateful for the support of the other partners in the Philadelphia and Frankfurt communities who made this project possible. Full details of all project partners are included on the project website.

Read more about the mural & how you can support the project on our website at https://heyor.ca/ErPwOv.

Stay tuned for more stories from the students and others surrounding this incredible project!

Philadelphia Department of Commerce

🚨 LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE 🚨 Join World Affairs on October 8 for a timely conversation with John Ghazvinian, historian,...
10/02/2026

🚨 LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE 🚨

Join World Affairs on October 8 for a timely conversation with John Ghazvinian, historian, author of "America and Iran: A History, 1720 to the Present", and former Executive Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Middle East Center, moderated by NBC10 Philadelphia reporter, Lauren Mayk. Ghazvinian will examine how we arrived at this pivotal moment, the historical forces shaping U.S.-Iran relations, and what the future may hold.

Reserve your tickets now: https://heyor.ca/dSbxbf

Telemundo 62

62 years of connection, driven by the next generation.This year marks the 62nd anniversary of the Sister City relationsh...
10/01/2026

62 years of connection, driven by the next generation.

This year marks the 62nd anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Philadelphia and Florence—our city’s oldest Sister City partnership!

Back in April, we saw firsthand how this long-standing bond inspires future leaders. Students from Florence’s Gobetti Volta High School joined Central High School students in Philadelphia for a hands-on cultural diplomacy exchange. The cohort shared reflections on global citizenship, met with Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia Nico Frandi, and participated in our World Affairs Table: Italy event, where they enjoyed Italian music, food, and gelato.

Sister City partnerships are rooted in shared history, but sustained through active dialogue. Here’s to 62 years of friendship with Florence and many more years of youth empowerment!

Philadelphia Department of Commerce

Are you a college student who wants to make a global impact in Philadelphia? Become a Global Smarts Mentor! Applications...
09/29/2026

Are you a college student who wants to make a global impact in Philadelphia? Become a Global Smarts Mentor!

Applications are now open for the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia’s Global Smarts Mentoring Program!

From January through May, Global Smarts Mentors work weekly with middle school students in Philadelphia schools, helping them build confidence and strengthen their skills in Model UN, public speaking, research, debate, and global competency.

As a Global Smarts Mentor, you’ll:

- Mentor and inspire middle school students
- Explore global issues and cultural perspectives
- Gain hands-on experience working in a Philadelphia classroom
- Develop your own professional and leadership skills
- Receive a travel stipend and access to World Affairs events
- Potentially earn course credit or count the experience as a spring semester internship

Apply now to become a Global Smarts Mentor: https://heyor.ca/mepVTh

09/29/2026

🥨 🍻 Trivia, pretzels, drinks, prizes, and good company! What more could you ask for?

Global Quizzo: Germany was such a fun night at The German Society of Pennsylvania! Thank you again to Brauhaus Schmitz for supplying pretzels & our grand prize!

Couldn't make it this time? Keep an eye on our upcoming events to catch the next iteration of Global Quizzo and so much more here: https://heyor.ca/IZE3zo!

🌎 Expand your world at our fall networking reception, "World Affairs Connect" on October 21st! Join us for an evening of...
09/28/2026

🌎 Expand your world at our fall networking reception, "World Affairs Connect" on October 21st!

Join us for an evening of great conversation in World Affairs' home venue starting at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy light refreshments as you connect with fellow globally-minded Philadelphians!

More information & registration here: https://heyor.ca/1Yh22r

Discover Coastal Spain & Portugal with tour host Derrick Olsen, President of WorldOregon, May 12-20, 2027. Stay in a his...
09/25/2026

Discover Coastal Spain & Portugal with tour host Derrick Olsen, President of WorldOregon, May 12-20, 2027. Stay in a historic parador within the walls of a medieval seaside fortress, and take time to explore the sacred Santiago de Compostela, the vibrant Porto, historic Guimaraes, and neo-classical Braga. Along the way, savor fresh-caught seafood, spectacular scenery, and awe-inspiring cathedrals.

Learn more here: https://wacphila.org/tour/coastal-spain-portugal/

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One Penn Center, 1617 John F. Kennedy Boulevard , Suite 1660
Philadelphia, PA
19103

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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