WAC Non-Profit Spotlight: Covington Business Council March Luncheon
2026-03-19 11:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | 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

13th Annual One World Gala & Global Trivia Competition
2026-04-17 18:00 - 22:00
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 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.

Combatting Nature Crimes IVLP Group
2026-08-13 - 2026-08-18
More information on program coming soon.

Trafficking in Persons: Prevention and Mitigation II IVLP Group
2026-08-19 - 2026-08-25
With delegates from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Burma, Chile, Egypt, Germany, Guyana, Latvia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, Portugal, Romania, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu.
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Review U.S. government strategies to combat international trafficking in persons, including crimes against women and children, by examining the formulation, administration, and enforcement of U.S. policy on the national, state, and local levels;
Examine the roles that government, law enforcement, the courts, and local organizations play in detecting, preventing, and prosecuting crimes;
Explore initiatives to recognize, protect, and assist victims of abuse and trafficking, including victim recovery and reintegration programs; and
Discuss international law enforcement cooperation in trafficking in persons cases.

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!
