About

The mission of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh is to promote, on a non-partisan basis, understanding of important international issues, throughout the community and with a special focus on the region’s secondary schools.

The Council encourages informed discussion of world affairs, demonstrating the growing connections between this region and the rest of the world.

Through its International Affairs Education Program, the Council’s outreach also encompasses more than 275 schools throughout Western Pennsylvania. The Council offers more than 100 school programs annually, helping students and teachers keep pace with events and issues in a world changing faster than educational materials at their disposal.

The Council has been selected for numerous awards, such as the Carol Marquis Award recognizing excellence in international education at a high school level, and the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement, as the most dynamic mid-sized World Affairs Council in the United States.

The Council is also a member of the World Affairs Councils of America, an association of 87 councils throughout the United States and 28 affiliated national and international organizations. Councils nationwide include 484,000 members and reach over 20 million people through its school, community, and radio programs, and through a wide variety of special events.

The World Affairs Councils of America network is the largest non-profit international affairs organization in the world.

Where we came from:

First formed in 1931 as a chapter of the Foreign Policy Association, we became, in 1964, an autonomous and independent world affairs council. For 80 years, we have served western Pennsylvania by promoting informed discussion of world affairs and sustaining a reputation for excellence and integrity in the delivery of balanced and non-partisan public programs. For over four decades, the Council has also placed significant emphasis on programs for secondary school students and teachers, for which we have been nationally recognized.

Our vision for the future:

To be a vital forum for informed discussion and debate on world affairs and their impact on the nation and the region. To be widely recognized for excellence, balance, and integrity in educational programs. To be the leading source of programs and resources in schools and communities to help instill independent, critical thinking about the world and America’s role in it.

The Council is a 501(c)(3) organization funded solely by tax-deductible membership dues and the generosity of foundations, corporations, and individuals.

The Council also is an Educational Improvement Organization, as designated by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.  Click here to find out how businesses can receive tax credits for supporting Council school programs.

A copy of the official registration and financial information for the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.

---