Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Members of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan (the “Council”) will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Varnum. Social time immediately precedes (5:00) and follows the meeting. There is no cost to attend. RSVPS are requested for attendance. RSVP to […]
Vandenberg Prize with Nicholas Burns, Ambassador of the United States to China June 18 @ 12:00-1:45 P.M. Vandenberg Award Recipient: Nicholas Burns, U.S. ambassador to China (2021-2025) Hillman/Orr Award Recipient: Mike DeVivo, professor of Geography at GRCC Polly Diven, professor of Political Science at GVSU The World Affairs Council of Western […]
On February 9, 1933, the Oxford Union debating society of Oxford University passed a motion stating, "That this House will in no circumstances fight for its King and Country." The motion passed by a vote of 275 to 153. This debate is often referred to as the "King and Country debate," and became a significant […]
Join us and RAK Proprietors Blon and Christine Hang for a unique educational and culinary experience, where we will learn and taste elevated Thai cuisine surrounded by an international ambiance. Dinner will include Jasmine Thai hot tea, Papaya Salad with hand-made shareables, one off the menu featured Thai dish along with two favorites from the […]
As the world changes and the Indo-Pacific region becomes more important than ever, the partnership between the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) remains a key ingredient for stability, innovation, and progress. Join us for a special event that brings together top experts to talk about the future of U.S.–Korea relations, covering everything […]
For the month of October, we invite you to explore the world of Japanese genre movies with two upcoming films: Join us at the Wealthy Theatre on Monday, October 6 at 8pm for the 1977 Japanese comedy horror film House. Directed and produced by Nobuhiko Obayashi, House is about a schoolgirl traveling with her six friends […]
Join us for an engaging evening with NPR international correspondent Fatma Tanis as she shares powerful stories from the front lines of global health. Drawing from her reporting around the world, Tanis will explore how health challenges and solution cross borders, impact communities, and reveal our shared humanity. More on Fatma Tanis, Global Health […]
From lifesaving vaccines to groundbreaking cancer treatments, medical research institutions are at the heart of health innovation, with benefits that extend well beyond the medical breakthroughs. Focusing on Grand Rapids’ own Van Andel Institute, join us for a conversation with VAI’s President and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Peter Jones, as he shares how centers of […]
Medical schools do more than educate future doctors. They are also engines of innovation and research and are on the front lines of community care. This program explores how medical schools, including Michigan State University, contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing health challenges, from combating pandemics to advancing health equity. Join us […]
The World Affairs Councils of America is proud to announce the 2025 National Conference: The World, On Balance. For more than a century, World Affairs Councils have been a trusted forum through global change, bringing communities together to make sense of the world, one conversation at a time. Today’s world is in flux – alliances shifting, […]
Join us for dinner and a fun and entertaining international trivia contest held every year with college, corporate and community teams competing. Prizes will be given to the top three teams along with door prizes. Moving the annual WorldQuest global trivia competition from May to January was an attempt by the World Affairs Council of […]
We welcome Emily Feng, NPR International Correspondent. In today’s China, questions of identity are no longer private. They are political, enforced, and deeply personal. This talk explores contemporary China through lived experience, drawing on NPR correspondent Emily Feng’s reporting and her new book on identity and belonging under Xi Jinping. Blending analysis with vivid […]
