Registration Closes Nov. 4
Newly Confirmed Keynote Speakers
Keynote: Freedom and Power in the Digital Age
In the last 25 years, the Internet has changed the way people access and share information, and has shifted the dynamics of societies around the globe. Until the Internet, almost all forms of mass communication were run by the elite and powerful. Today, citizens with a web connection have the potential to take any message and reach an audience of millions. But this individual potential is only possible when the Internet is open and free for its users. More than 600 million Internet users - over 30% of the world's total Internet population - live in countries where there is substantial filtering or censorship of online content. Understanding what the Internet and online freedom mean for the world is critical for the future of democracy, human rights, and economic development everywhere. Join us for a keynote discussion featuring:
David Drummond
Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer
Held annually for over two decades, the World Affairs Councils of America's National Conference engages our regional leaders and members drawn from the business, civic, and education communities with leading policy-makers and experts. The National Conference launches the national Council network's year-long discussion of the Six Top Issues for 2014 selected by our network leadership across the country and helps plan our programming for the coming year.
The Six Top Issues selected by the national network's leadership as the most important national security issues for the coming year are:
- Cybersecurity
- U.S. Energy Independence
- Global Economic Realignment
- Middle East
- Global Environment Issues
- U.S. Education
Register for 2013 National Conference
Agenda Outline
Wednesday, November 13
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Fall Leadership Meeting for Council CEOs and Staff/Annual Membership Meeting
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Opening Dinner
Thursday, November 14
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Main Plenaries
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Embassy Receptions
- Embassy of Canada
- Embassy of Portugal
- Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
Friday, November 15
7:30 AM - 8:45 AM: 1918 Society Breakfast
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Main Plenaries
Conference concludes at 3:00 PM
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
Chevron, NATO, Google, The Gambrinus Company,
Raytheon, ExxonMobil, Duke Energy, Johnson Sterling,
Thomson Reuters, Goldman Sachs, and Coca-Cola
Join the 1918 Society
The 1918 Society is comprised of individuals who wish to directly support the World Affairs Councils of America in its mission of educating Americans on global issues. 1918 Society members enjoy special privileges at the 2013 National Conference including an invitation to the exclusive 1918 Society breakfast, access to the hospitality green suite with the opportunity to meet conference speakers, reserved seating at all plenaries and luncheons, and special recognition throughout the National Conference. If you would like to learn more, please see the full list of 1918 Society benefits or contact Ian J. Byrne at [email protected].
This year's 1918 Society Breakfast will feature Peter Baker, White House Correspondent for The New York Times, and author of the upcoming book, Days of Fire: Bush and Cheney in the White House. Mr. Baker will speak on The President, the White House, and the Making of U.S. National Security. WACA National Board Chair Paula J. Dobriansky will moderate the discussion.
Academic WorldQuest 2014: Submit Pledge Form Now
The 2014 Academic WorldQuest National Competition will take place Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center in Washington, DC. Read about the 2013 Academic WorldQuest National Competition here.
Councils, please fill out the 2013-2014 Academic WorldQuest Pledge Form, which is available here and in the WACA Leadership Network.
Competition Questions Available Those who fill out and return the form will be given confidential access to questions prepared by the WACA National Office for local competitions in 2013-2014.
The 2013-2014 Study Guide has been released, as well as information and resources for councils and teachers. More Information
Not My Life Programs Underway
Our newest national program series focusing on human trafficking and modern-day slavery is underway. The program features screenings of the documentary film Not My Life by Robert Bilheimer and Worldwide Documentaries at over 35 World Affairs Councils. The program is made possible by a generous grant from Carlson & The Carlson Family Foundation. Click here to see the participating councils. This week's events include:
October 28 -- World Affairs Council of Hilton Head
October 28 -- Tennessee World Affairs Council
October 29 -- Institute of World Affairs
November 3 -- World Affairs Council of New Orleans
Spotlight on Turkey 2013
The Spotlight on Turkey program, sponsored by the World Affairs Councils of America and the Turkish Cultural Foundation, has entered Phase III of the 2013 program. Participating councils will be holding programs throughout the fall showcasing Turkish art, culture, and cuisine. More Information
October 29 -- World Affairs Council of New Hampshire
Great Decisions Bloggers Needed
The Foreign Policy Association is currently seeking volunteer contributors to write on 2014 Great Decisions topics, including: Defense and technology, Israel and the U.S., Turkey's challenges, Islam and democracy, Energy independence, Food and climate, China's foreign policy, and U.S. trade policy.
Staff and members of World Affairs Councils nationwide who would like to be considered can send an email expressing interest in one of the above topics, along with a resume, cover letter and a sample blog post to FPA Assistant Editor Hannah Gais at [email protected].
Denotes programming that focuses on one of the World Affairs Councils of America's Six Top Issues for 2013.