World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

19th Annual International Education Summit
2025-12-09 08:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Dr, Highland Heights, KY, 41099
Curious about how the world is changing and what it means for your future?

Designed for high school students and educators, IES offers a day of hands-on workshops, inspiring speakers, and career-focused networking — all centered on how global events and local communities are more connected than ever.
Hosted by the World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, this annual summit helps students explore real-world issues, develop practical skills, and discover career opportunities in a wide range of fields.

What you’ll experience:

Interactive workshops led by students and community leaders.
Community Fair + Speed Networking with local professionals.
Insightful discussions on current international topics and future careers.

Whether you’re planning your next steps or just want to understand the world around you better, this event will give you the tools and confidence to move forward.

Learn more here!

From Cincinnati to the World: Revolutionary 3D Learning for the Blind
2026-02-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, United States
Did you know that a 3D printer in North College Hill is changing the way students learn in East Africa?

Join us for an inspiring evening at the Cincinnati Art Museum to discover how the Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired is leading a global movement in accessible education.
What started as a local initiative in Cincinnati has evolved into a worldwide network of innovation. Clovernook is now placing 3D printers and custom-designed model kits in classrooms across Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and Vietnam, ensuring that blind and visually impaired (BVI) students have the tactile tools they need to succeed.
Why Attend?

See Innovation in Action: Learn how 3D-printed models of regional monuments and geographies are helping students in Kenya connect with their own culture and landscape.
Global Insight: Meet Dominic Kiamba, a Kenyan-based expert with 20 years of experience, and learn how international partnerships are creating sustainable educational solutions.
Local Impact, Global Reach: Discover why Cincinnati is a global hub for tactile literacy and how our region is exporting “accessible innovation” to the world.

This event highlights a core pillar of the World Affairs Council – Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky: the power of citizen diplomacy. By bridging our local expertise with international needs, we strengthen our region’s identity as a leader in global cooperation and development.
Register Now to Secure Your Spot!
Featured Speakers:
Samuel Foulkes, Director of Braille Production & Accessible Innovation, Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired: A recipient of a 2025 Kennedy Center Award for their work in cultural accessibility and a board member of the World Affairs Council, Samuel holds six patents for accessible products. He leads Clovernook’s Tactile Literacy program, which empowers organizations globally through technology and training.
Dominic Kiamba, Program Coordinator, Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (Nairobi): With over 20 years of experience as a disability inclusion expert, Mr. Kiamba is a leader in advancing Braille literacy across Africa. He works on the ground in Kenya to implement cost-effective, high-tech solutions that foster independence and education for BVI learners.
About Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired:
Since 1903, Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired has been providing life-enriching opportunities and empowering people who are blind or visually impaired to be self-sufficient and full participants in their communities. Clovernook Center’s Braille Printing House is the largest volume printer of braille in the world. Clovernook prints books, magazines and other materials for the National Library Services and braille patrons worldwide. Additionally, Clovernook provides Pediatric Low Vision Clinics, adaptive sports and social activities, as well as employment opportunities for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. For more information, visit www.clovernook.org.

WAC Non-Profit Spotlight: Covington Business Council March Luncheon
2026-03-19 11:30 - 13:00 | Embassy Suites RiverCenter, 10 E Rivercenter Blvd, Covington, KY, 41011, United States
We are so excited to announce that World Affairs Council will be Covington Business Council’s Non-Profit Spotlight for their March Luncheon. Join us Thursday, March 19 at Embassy Suites RiverCenter from 11:30AM-1:00PM where you will learn about Covington’s new City Hall AND more about the organization!
Covington is a city full of organizations we are lucky to partner with as well as a region we love to showcase to visiting international delegates. It is truly a bridge between the local and global community. We hope you can join us!
Buy tickets today

Advancing Cybersecurity and Innovation Policy IVLP Group
2026-05-10 - 2026-05-13
Advancing Cybersecurity and Innovation Policy IVLP Group with delegates from: Benin, Chile, El Salvador, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, and Venezuela.
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Explore the role of the public and private sectors in driving cybersecurity innovation.
Examine U.S. cybercrime policies and legislation that address growing challenges of cybercrime and ransomware as well as existing infrastructure in the U.S. that provides mechanisms to assist parties affected or impacted by cybercrime.
Address international efforts to strengthen cybersecurity collaboration between countries, including global cybercrime treaties.

Youth Leaders for Glocal Impact Celebration
2026-05-14 17:30 - 19:30
To celebrate the recipients of the World Affairs Council’s Youth Leaders for Glocal Impact Grant on May 14th at the Glendale Lyceum at 5:30PM
The Youth Leaders for Glocal Impact Grant in Honor of Richard I. Lauf is a grant opportunity for students, educators, and school organizations alike to create or expand on a project that benefitted their school or community.
We look forward to seeing you there as we hear from the students and educators about their projects in action!

Navigating the Future of Work with AI Panel Discussion
2026-05-21 17:30 - 19:30 | First Financial Bank, 1 E 4th St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, United States
This session is designed to help the next generation of leaders understand and navigate the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace. We aim to move beyond the hype and provide practical insights on how AI is transforming industries and what it takes to succeed in this new landscape.
Join us at the First Financial Bank location on E 4th St in the Community Room (1st Floor) from 5:30 PM – 7:30PM May 21st!

Tickets are $10 .

Soccer Diplomacy: A Fireside Chat with Jeff Berding
2026-06-08 17:30 - 19:00 | TQL Stadium
Join us on June 8 for an exclusive Fireside Chat with Jeff Berding, Co-CEO of FC Cincinnati and member of the FIFA World Soccer Committee. This featured keynote explores how elite sport serves as a powerful engine for economic growth and international diplomacy, transforming Cincinnati into a world-class global city. Jeff will share his “Berding Blueprint” for leveraging soft power and global talent networks to bridge the gap between local impact and transnational influence.
To celebrate this connection between the global and the grassroots, the Council will donate FIFA official soccer balls to a local youth program in Jeff’s honor. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the visionary leader redefining what it means for a city to stay “globally connected. The event will serve cocktails and lite bites, with a chance for attendees to tour the stadium.
Early Bird tickets are $20 and will increase to $35 on June 1st.

Fusion 2026
2026-06-11 16:30 - 18:30 | Mercantile Immersive, 120 E 4th St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, United States
Fusion is an evening of networking and cultural exchange. This event brings together members from various chambers of commerce to foster connections, celebrate, and build meaningful relationships across our business communities. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, explore new business opportunities, or learn about different cultural perspectives, this mixer is the perfect opportunity.
Event Schedule
4:30 PM – 4:45 PM: Networking
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM: Program
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM: Networking & Connections

Jeni's Ice Cream Young Professionals Fundraiser for World Affairs Council
2026-07-23 16:00 - 19:00 | Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Factory 52, 2755 Park Ave, Norwood, OH, 45212, United States
Connect with your community and invest in a global future. On July 23rd, the World Affairs Council is gathering at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Factory 52 for an evening of casual networking and philanthropy.
Come meet our Young Professionals group, learn more about our upcoming initiatives, and enjoy Jeni’s famous artisanal flavors.
By joining us, you are actively supporting global literacy and education. Jeni’s is generously donating 25% of all sales from 4:00 to 7:00 PM directly to our global education programs. It is the perfect excuse to treat yourself, catch up with colleagues, and make a meaningful local impact.
RSVP: https://globalcincinnati.networkforgood.com/events/102436-young-professional-ice-cream-social-at-factory-52

Strategies to Prevent Opioid Use IVLP
2026-07-29 - 2026-08-04
With delegates from Bulgaria, Georgia, Germany, Republic of Kosovo, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, and United Kingdom.
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Examine federal, state, and local policies and programs aimed at preventing and reducing illicit drug use and employing improved data systems and research in the policymaking process.
Explore U.S. education and training for medical professionals and public healthcare providers, social workers and community-level actors, policymakers, law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and journalists aimed at reframing and responding to addiction as a public health crisis.
Identify the core elements of promising strategies to address the opioid and addiction crises.
Explore collaborative efforts such as task force initiatives, interagency work, multi sectoral approaches, and international cooperation, as well as coordination efforts among law enforcement, treatment providers, and prevention professionals aimed at preventing and reducing illicit drug use and related crime

This is a program of the U.S. Department of State, administered by World Affairs Council –Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky.

Combatting Environmental Crimes IVLP Group
2026-08-06 - 2026-08-13
With delegates from Indonesia.
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Showcase U.S. leadership in addressing environmental crimes, including illegal wildlife trafficking, logging, and mining linked to transnational organized crime.
Highlight American best practices in sound forest management and streamlined regulatory enforcement that maintain rigorous environmental standards and prevent China-driven environmental crimes.
Analyze U.S. models for developing specialized task forces to target and dismantle corruption and illegal activities in the natural resource sector.
Examine approaches that promote transparency and fair competition in critical minerals supply chains by increasing oversight of permits and licenses, supporting U.S. economic interests and global security.

This is a program of the U.S. Department of State, administered by World Affairs Council –Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky.

Farmers Market & Friends
2026-08-08 09:00 - 13:00 | Covington Farmers Market, 629 Washington St, Covington, KY, 41011, United States
The World Affairs Council –Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded the Dinner Diplomacy grant from Global Ties, in partnership with Marriott International, for the third consecutive year. Continuing last summer’s successful initiative, the Council will once again bring our community together for “Farmers Market & Friends”.
On August 8th, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, we invite our community to visit our booth at the Covington Farmers Market. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with international delegates visiting the region through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP). This year, we are proud to welcome a delegation focused on combatting nature crimes.

The event is free, we just ask that you RSVP.

State and Local Government IVLP Group
2026-08-12 - 2026-08-18
With delegates from Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste.
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Introduce the structures and functions of the U.S. federal system of government, with emphasis on the division of authority and responsibility between federal, state, and local governments;
Demonstrate successful models of cooperation among state and local governments, non-governmental organizations, community organizations, and the business sector;
Examine intergovernmental cooperative organizations, such as councils of government and regional planning authorities, as well as innovative public-private partnerships that allow state and local governments to provide enhanced services, encourage economic growth, and ensure public accountability;
Examine various models of state and local governments that demonstrate how they function in the United States and interact with the federal government; and
Explore the fundamental role of freedom of speech and expression in sustaining democratic societies.

This is a program of the U.S. Department of State, administered by World Affairs Council –Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky.

Become a Part of the Young Professionals Advisory Group
2026-09-01
We seek your guidance & execution skills to further the organization’s mission and strategies.
We are looking to expand our Inaugural Young Professionals Advisory Group, for those under 40 years of age. This is your time to shine, get creative, and impactful! Individuals who are passionate about the mission, commit to 2-5 hours per month for committee meetings and staff discussions, commit to 2-year term, and give or get at minimum $100 through personal or corporate contribution.

Applications due September 1st.

Become a Part of the Board of Directors
2026-09-01
The World Affairs Council invites you to join a leadership team advancing our “GLOCAL” mission—making a meaningful impact locally and globally. As a board member, you will partner closely with staff to provide guidance, execute strategies, and help drive the organization’s mission forward.
Board Member Responsibilities:

Serve as a legally and fiscally responsible steward of the organization.
Be passionate about our mission and committed to advancing it.
Dedicate 1–3 hours per month for board and committee meetings.
Commit to a 3-year board term.
Give or Get a minimum of $5,000 annually—through a personal donation or by raising the equivalent from your network, corporate sponsorship, or other fundraising efforts.

Areas of Expertise We’re Seeking:

Legal counsel
Technology / IT / Data Management / AI
Accounting and financial oversight
Fundraising and development
Marketing / Communications / Social Media

Applications due September 1st.

We the People: Cultural Heritage and Preservation IVLP Group
2026-09-29 - 2026-10-02
More information to come.

International Friendship Day Celebration with Cincinnati Sister Cities
2026-10-17 11:00 - 15:00 | Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park, 1135 Riverside Dr, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, United States
More information to come!
