Los Angeles World Affairs Council & Town Hall

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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 between 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.

15/10/2026

What issues could shape the 2026 midterm elections, and what do they reveal about the broader political landscape?

In the Los Angeles World Affairs Council Political Report with Dan Schnur, political analyst Dan Schnur examines key questions facing voters and policymakers, including midterm voter turnout, the role of artificial intelligence in political debate, and California’s proposed billionaire tax.

Dan explores why motivating a party’s core supporters is so important in midterm elections, why AI has yet to become a defining campaign issue, and the competing perspectives on California’s billionaire tax, including its implications for health care funding and other public services.

In a follow-up video, Dan discusses election preparedness, the potential for foreign influence, and other issues to watch as Election Day approaches.

Watch the full discussion and follow-up videos below.

Full discussion: https://youtu.be/D9vtidr3HN8

Members-Only Session: https://youtu.be/Z2uzebqxca0

14/10/2026

Our Baltic States delegation continues in Tallinn, Estonia!

From transatlantic relations to digital innovation, our delegation is gaining firsthand insight into the issues shaping Estonia’s future and its role in the region. The group met with Kelli Long, Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn, for a briefing on U.S.-Estonian relations.

The group then visited the City of Tallinn for conversations with Karolin Rillo, International Visits Specialist; Andres Kask, Head of the International Economic Partnerships Department; Christopher Raitviir, Head of Digital Construction; and Jaan Heinsoo, Head of Business Development and Investments.

These meetings are part of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council’s broader effort to foster international understanding and meaningful dialogue through firsthand engagement with leaders across the world.

Next stop: Latvia!

13/10/2026

The Los Angeles World Affairs Council’s delegation has arrived in Tallinn, Estonia, for the first stop of our Baltic States program. Our visit began with a briefing with Ms. Karin Maandi, Director General of the Department of NATO and Transatlantic Relations, to discuss Estonia’s role in NATO and the region’s evolving security landscape.

Over the coming days, our delegation will travel through Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, meeting with diplomatic, government, and policy leaders to deepen our understanding of the Baltic states, transatlantic relations, and the challenges shaping the region.

09/10/2026

The 2026 midterm elections are just around the corner, with voters facing a rapidly evolving political landscape at home and abroad. This month, Dan will examine what to watch for in the closing days of the campaign, what will determine control of Congress and how the results will impact our lives and the rest of the world.

Join us Tuesday, October 13, from 5:00 to 5:30 PM for this engaging virtual conversation.

Click the link below to register now.

https://members.lawac.org/events/Details/los-angeles-world-affairs-council-political-report-with-dan-schnur-1947484?sourceTypeId=Website

03/10/2026

What is shaping the future of U.S.-China relations, and what can reporting from the region tell us about a rapidly changing world?

On October 15, the Los Angeles World Affairs Council welcomes Jonathan Cheng, China Bureau Chief for The Wall Street Journal, for Asia Up Close: Power, Politics and a Changing World. Cheng will share insights from his reporting on China, the evolving U.S.-China relationship, and the geopolitical forces shaping Asia, along with a conversation about his book, Korean Messiah.

Thursday, October 15 | 5:30–7:00 PM
Beverly Hills / Century City Area | Venue details announced soon
Members: $30 | Non-Members: $45

Join us for an evening of timely conversation and perspective on Asia and the forces shaping our changing world.

Register now at www.lawac.org.

02/10/2026

A special part of the 2026 World Prize Gala was recognizing individuals whose leadership, service, and contributions have made an impact in Los Angeles and beyond.

Thomas M. Priselac received the Corporate Impact World Prize for his leadership in healthcare and commitment to improving quality and access to care. Under his leadership, Cedars-Sinai developed an international reputation for healthcare, research, education, and community service.

Lynda Boone Fetter was honored with the Angeleno World Prize for her decades of leadership in philanthropy, business, and civic life. Her work has supported organizations dedicated to healthcare, education, scientific research, and global engagement.

Sharon Stone was honored with the Global Ambassador World Prize for her contributions as an internationally recognized humanitarian who has worked to improve the lives of people around the world. Although Sharon was unable to join us in person, Tiffany Haddish graciously accepted the award on her behalf.

We were especially proud to recognize Truman King with the Emerging Leader Award. A student at North Hollywood High School, Truman founded the Los Angeles and Nagoya Sister City Affiliation Cultural Exchange Club and created LA–Nagoya Connect, a youth-led platform connecting students in Los Angeles and Nagoya through cultural exchange and shared interests.

Thank you to our honorees for allowing us to celebrate their remarkable work and contributions at this year’s Gala.

01/10/2026

Continue Supporting the Los Angeles World Affairs Council

Following the 2026 World Prize Gala, we are pleased to offer “Hilltop,” an original 12" x 16" acrylic on canvas painting by Sharon Stone. The piece was generously donated in support of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council.

Original Art by Sharon Stone

"Hilltop" is a 12" x 16" acrylic on canvas. It is an original piece, complete with letter of authenticity, painted by actress, humanitarian and best selling author, Sharon Stone.

Bidding is now open. Click below to view the artwork and place your bid.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/los-angeles-world-affairs-council-auction

30/09/2026

An evening of celebration, recognition, and meaningful connection at the 2026 World Prize Gala. Together, we marked 250 Years of American Civil Discourse and celebrated the leadership, achievement, civic engagement, and dialogue that bring people and communities together.

We were honored to recognize Sharon Stone with the Global Ambassador World Prize, Thomas M. Priselac with the Corporate Impact World Prize, and Lynda Boone Fetter with the Angeleno World Prize, and to present Truman King with the Emerging Leader Award. Their leadership, service, and commitment to strengthening communities reflect the spirit of the evening and the values at the heart of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council.

We are deeply grateful to our Gala Co-Chairs, Yesenia Monsour and Scott Porter, host Giselle Fernandez, our sponsors, partners, volunteers, presenters, performers, and everyone who helped make the evening possible.

Thank you for being part of this special celebration. We look forward to the conversations, connections, and opportunities ahead.

25/09/2026

Flashback Friday: Leading the Los Angeles World Affairs Council.

Civil discourse, civic engagement, and international understanding are essential to our democracy, and leading the Los Angeles World Affairs Council let me advance that work every day.

At the Council, I helped drive programs that brought diplomats, educators, public officials, students, and civic leaders together to engage with the issues shaping Los Angeles and the world.

We worked closely with LA’s consular community and expanded opportunities for high school students, young professionals, and leaders in business and government to join those conversations.

These photos capture some of that work, including programs with former Armenian President Armen Sarkissian, Lithuanian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Taurimas Valys, Caltech President Thomas Rosenbaum, and Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, along with recognition of our efforts by the American Society for Public Administration.

The purpose was to create spaces where people could listen, ask questions, encounter different perspectives and better understand the forces affecting their communities and the wider world.

Public life is better when we make room for informed discussion, curiosity and the willingness to learn from one another.

I am grateful to the board, staff, members, speakers, students, and community partners who helped us carry that work forward.

21/09/2026

We proudly present the 2026 World Prize Gala, an exceptional evening celebrating leadership, innovation, and meaningful connections in international affairs.

Join us on September 29, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 PM at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood for an elegant evening featuring a red-carpet arrival and reception, complimentary cocktails, a three-course dinner with w**e pairing, live music, and a memorable program celebrating the spirit of global engagement.

Cocktail attire is requested. Complimentary valet parking will be provided.

Secure your ticket before time runs out at https://members.lawac.org/ap/Events/Register/zBFAM0dHgCACR.

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Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+14242586160

Website

http://www.lawac.org/

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