World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

13th Annual One World Gala & Global Trivia Competition
2026-04-17 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York)
The World Affairs Council is excited to host you for our 13th Annual Gala, our most popular annual fundraiser! Join us April 17 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at a beautiful private club in Clifton for the One World Gala & Global Trivia Competition.
Giving at any level matters! As our organization’s vital annual fundraiser, we strive to connect our community with the full potential of embracing a truly global perspective and community building activity. The World Affairs Council is Greater Cincinnati’s focal point for international education, interaction, and connection. We help our region to compete in the global arena and prepare our young people for success through an appreciation of global fellowship and cultural diversity in the classroom and in the workplace.
The Gala promises to be the most exciting event of the century – and an evening of fun and global connections that showcases our beloved City’s global sparkle! The Global Trivia Game will be the highlight of the evening! The top teams will win valuable prizes from some of Cincinnati’s most popular restaurants and businesses.
There are single tickets available at two price points. If you sign up with less than 10 people, you will be assigned a trivia team to play with and/or people will join your table for the evening. Your last day to purchase tickets is April 3, 2026.
Location given upon ticket purchase.

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.

Driving Mutually Beneficial U.S.-India Collaboration on AI IVLP Group
2026-05-13 - 2026-05-16
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:
• Showcase U.S. AI infrastructure solutions and best practices;
• Explore training programs and support mechanisms for maintaining AI infrastructure; and
• Highlight opportunities to foster innovation and knowledge exchange between U.S. and Indian researchers.

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 .

2026 Council Leadership Meeting
2026-06-08 - 2026-06-10
We are proud to announce that the 2026 Council Leadership Meeting will be hosted by the World Affairs Council of Cincinnati & Northern KY from June 8-10, 2026. Attendees will have the chance to engage in impactful discussions that will spark innovative ideas at their Councils. Save the date to take part in a cross-river experience of culture, ideas & innovation.

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

U.S. State and Local Government IVLP Group
2026-06-17 - 2026-06-19
With delegates from Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia.
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, community organizations, and the business sectors;
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.

Freedom 250: U.S. Science and Technology Entrepreneurship IVLP Group
2026-06-26 - 2026-07-01
With delegates from Angola, Israel, Malaysia, Nepal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia.
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Discuss the roles of government, private enterprises, professional organizations, and universities in fostering entrepreneurship and supporting innovation;
Meet with advocates and investors involved in recognizing, promoting, and developing science and tech start-ups;
Discuss how innovations are adopted and diffused into diverse sectors such as medicine, agriculture, manufacturing, and communications;
Assess the role of higher education in advancing technologies and empowering young people in tech fields; and
Share experiences with a variety of U.S. entrepreneurs and innovators addressing technological and social challenges.

Responsible Business Practices IVLP Group
2026-06-28 - 2026-07-02
With delegates from Georgia.
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:
• Demonstrate the impact of U.S. responsible business practices on the local, regional, national, and global economies;
• Illustrate the role of government, public-private partnerships, universities, corporations,
and community organizations in fostering and supporting transparency, resilient supply chains, ethical governance; and
• Examine trends in stakeholder engagement planning, management, operations, and marketing.

Jeni's Ice Cream 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
