Schiff
Past Event
Senator Adam Schiff
Thomas-Greenfield
Past Event
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
US Ambassador to the United Nations
Petraeus
Past Event
General David Petraeus
Former Director of the CIA
Mardini
Past Event
Yusra Mardini, Refugee Olympic Athlete
UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
Slide 5
World Affairs Council of Orange County
Opportunity to Engage With Leaders
Graham
Past Event
Senator Lindsey Graham
Bell
Past Event
Ambassador Colleen Bell
Stavridis
Past Event
Admiral Stavridis
Duhaut-Bedos
Past Event
Julie Duhaut-Bedos
Consul General of France
Join
Become a Member
Join the World Affairs Council of OC
Shirk
Past Event
Susan L. Shirk
Founding Chair of the 21st Century China Center
Rogers
Past Event
Admiral Rogers
Former Director of the NSA
McMaster
Past Event
LTG H.R. McMaster
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Aldrin
Past Event
Buzz Aldrin
Astronaut, Engineer, and Fighter Pilot
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Upcoming Events
Become a Member
Past Event Recaps
Community Discussion
Sponsors


Meet and Learn from people that shape our World

As a World Affairs Council member, you join a diverse group of individuals who are passionate about expanding international awareness. Members participate in world class events featuring speakers who provide the stories behind the headlines as well as special receptions and gatherings.

As a member you will have the opportunity to build relationships with other liked minded individuals and professionals that are in the local international affairs community. Your membership is valuable in supporting World Affairs Council programming and student outreach in the community.

Upcoming Events

PARTNERSHIP WITH BARCLAY THEATER

PARTNERSHIP WITH BARCLAY THEATER

Date:
Fri Oct 24, 2025 – 8:00 pm
Location:
Irvine Barclay Theater, Campus Drive, Irvine, CA, USA
THANKS TO A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH BARCLAY THEATER, WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF ORANGE COUNTY MEMBERS GET 20% OFF TICKETS TO TANGLE LIVE: THE FUTURE OF CALIFORNIA on OCTOBER 24th. USE PROMO CODE WORLDAFFAIRSOC for 20% off tickets! …
Never Again Starts Here: Confronting Genocide, Honoring Truth

Never Again Starts Here: Confronting Genocide, Honoring Truth

Date:
Thu Oct 30, 2025 – 5:30 pm
Location:
University Club, East Peltason Drive, Irvine, CA, USA
This event will focus on the importance of addressing genocide. In addition to the issue of compelling moral outrage, genocides are literally affecting our own security and economic realities in the here and now, even when they have occurred thousands …
Angels of War: Honoring the Nurses of the Vietnam War

Angels of War: Honoring the Nurses of the Vietnam War

Date:
Wed Nov 5, 2025 – 11:00 am
Location:
American Legion Post 291, 215 15th St, Newport Beach, CA 92663, USA
Join us for an inspiring conversation featuring Justice Eileen Moore, Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeal and former Army nurse in the Vietnam War, alongside Judge David O. Carter, U.S. District Court Judge and decorated Vietnam veteran. COL …
Canada & the U.S.: A Friendly Discussion in Uncertain Times

Canada & the U.S.: A Friendly Discussion in Uncertain Times

Date:
Wed Nov 12, 2025 – 11:00 am
Location:
AnQi Bistro, Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA, USA
Join the World Affairs Council–Orange County for a special luncheon featuring the Canadian Consul General, who will share insights on the state of Canada–U.S. business and international relations, including tariffs, trade, tourism, and new cross-border business opportunities. This exclusive event …
GALA: Global South Perspectives and Paths to Peace in a New World Order

GALA: Global South Perspectives and Paths to Peace in a New World Order

Date:
Sat Nov 15, 2025 – 6:00 pm
Location:
Soka University of America, University Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
Join us for a remarkable night honoring the spirit of diplomacy and dialogue that defined a generation– and continues to shape ours today. This year’s gala pays tribute to the Kennedy administration’s support of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Civil Rights …

Membership Levels

Join our community committed to strengthening awareness and engagement with the world beyond our borders.

Discounted
Membership Levels

$25 – $85/year
  • Student, Young Professional, Academic & Veteran rates
  • Discounted rate for all events
  • Special eligibility requirements apply
Learn More

Patron
Membership Levels

$95 – $1,000/year
  • Individual, Family, Attaché & Consul levels
  • Member-only invitations
  • Board eligibility and special perks at higher levels
Learn More

Premium
Membership Levels

$2,500 – $100,000/year or lifetime
  • Diplomat, Ambassador, Founders Club levels
  • VIP programs, exclusive dinners & tours
  • Lifetime options with permanent recognition
Learn More

Members Only
Program Discounts

25% – 50% Discounts
  • 25% discount on dinner programs
  • 50% discount on non-dinner events
  • Available to all membership levels
Learn More

Past Event Recaps

A quick look at some of our recent events.

More Event Recaps »

Community Discussion

The “Global South” Isn’t a Place. It’s a Position.

The “Global South” Isn’t a Place. It’s a Position.

/ Africa, Asia, Blog, China, South America
In today’s global landscape, terminology is never just descriptive— it’s diplomatic. And the language we use to frame the world often reveals more about power …
2024 Paris Olympics - The Whole World is Watching

2024 Paris Olympics – The Whole World is Watching

/ Blog, Europe
It would be an understatement to say that the Olympics is a monumental event that touches the hearts of everyone around the world. To some, …
Mexico’s First Female President & the World’s 29th Female Head of Government

Mexico’s First Female President & the World’s 29th Female Head of Government

/ Blog, Latin America, North America
According to Courthouse News, some of President Sheinbaum’s promises during her presidency include scholarships for basic education, better salaries for teachers, increases in minimum wage, …
Global Impacts of U.S. AI Policy: Balancing Regulation, Competition, and Optimism

Global Impacts of U.S. AI Policy: Balancing Regulation, Competition, and Optimism

/ Blog, China, North America
U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law hearing on artificial intelligence. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Regulation and Competition Between COVID-19, …
Mexico’s First Female President & the World’s 29th Female Head of Government

Mexico’s First Female President & the World’s 29th Female Head of Government

/ Blog, Latin America, North America
From Reuters, “‘for the first time in the 200 years of the republic I will become the first woman president of Mexico,’ Sheinbaum told supporters …
What is “All Eyes on Rafah”?: A Social Media Slogan Turned Social Advocacy Movement

What is “All Eyes on Rafah”?: A Social Media Slogan Turned Social Advocacy Movement

/ Blog, Middle East
Following an Israeli ground offensive operation in the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, an AI-generated image containing the slogan “All Eyes on Rafah” …

Sponsors

Advanced Office
R&D Medical
First American Trust
Tomassian, Inouye & Grigorian LLP

Community Partners

Chapman
SOKA
Fullerton
UCI
ACG OC

As a World Affairs Council member, you join a diverse group of individuals who are passionate about expanding international awareness. Members participate in world class events featuring speakers who provide the stories behind the headlines as well as special receptions and gatherings. What we offer, above all else, is ACCESS. Access to speakers, access to information, access to a community of global thinkers.