The World Affairs Council of Charlotte

Southern Hospitality Meets Global Diplomacy Yesterday, WACC President and CEO Ljubomir (L.J.) Stambuk, alongside WACC Chair of the Board Mike McNamara, extended a warm southern welcome to 18 diplomats from 15 EU member states right here in Charlotte, North Carolina. We were proud to showcase our renowned hospitality and create meaningful connections across the globe while discussing the importance of the transatlantic partnership. Thank you to our distinguished guests for joining us. We’re excited to continue building bridges between our local community and the international stage.

"I just wanted to make sure I voiced how much I enjoyed today's round table program with the EU diplomats. I always appreciate all of the work and care you put into bringing speakers, but today felt especially meaningful. Being able to have time to sit and converse with my table and have a representative of the diplomatic group with us for our discussion made this event particularly enjoyable. I learned so much today! Thank you for hosting these events and for creating opportunities for our community to learn about global perspectives. It's truly important work." - Patricia Hatch ******************************* Thank you to everyone who attended and made this roundtable so engaging! We're proud to bring global discussions like this to our community through the World Affairs Council of Charlotte.

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte for a powerful business breakfast on Oct. 23 "Lessons from Northern Ireland.' As we approach a divisive election season, this timely event will feature a distinguished panel of leaders discussing how lessons from Northern Ireland’s conflict resolution can help foster peace, unity, and mutual respect in our communities. Panelists include: 🔹 Jennifer Roberts – Former Charlotte Mayor 🔹 Dr. Hadia Mubarak – Professor at Queens University 🔹 Dr. Stephanie Hand – Reverend, author, and expert across sectors 🔹 Casey Crimmins – Community engagement leader Learn how we can bridge divides and build dialogue for a stronger future! Register today: https://lnkd.in/e5b3JurS

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte for Transatlantic Relations: A Fireside Chat with 18 EU diplomats from 15 countries. Get firsthand insights on the evolving U.S.-Europe relationship, covering key issues like security, trade, climate policy, and more. Engage in direct discussions with EU diplomats seated at each table—network, share your thoughts, and learn from this unique diplomatic dialogue! Seats are still available at the event, and we'd love to see you there! Sign-up today: https://lnkd.in/ensamikX #WACCSpeakerSeries #EUDiplomats

"The World Affairs Council of Charlotte has long been a staple for those interested in learning about global politics, economics, and international relations. I think back to my senior year at Olympic High School when I had the opportunity through the WACC to attend a luncheon with Ambassador Lambrinidis of the European Union, Ambassador Martin Weiss of Austria, and Governor Roy Cooper. The luncheon was filled with insights about the post-pandemic economy and how states like North Carolina can foster relationships with the EU and countries like Austria to encourage economic growth and partnerships. I left that luncheon in awe, witnessing politics and government working together to build a better future. It was an inspirational experience that largely helped me determine what I wanted to pursue in college. Now a junior at Queens University of Charlotte, I am majoring in political science. Every opportunity I get to attend a World Affairs Council of Charlotte event, I jump on it. During my freshman year, I attended an ambassador event at Queens with H.E. Kristjan Prikk, Ambassador of Estonia. That spring, while taking International Political Economy, I had the opportunity to attend the Global Economic Outlook breakfast with speaker Dr. Jay Bryson. In my sophomore year, I attended an event with former Ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch. This year, I attended a luncheon about China's development and security with speakers Shelly Rigger and Tate Nurkin. Every event I have attended has been both highly enjoyable and informative. I always leave knowing that I’ve spent my time learning from some of the brightest minds across the globe. I truly appreciate that the World Affairs Council of Charlotte is dedicated to educating and advocating for international politics in such an engaging way through talks, panels, luncheons, and ambassador events. This is what makes the WACC so special. They focus on serving a larger community—educating young minds from local schools, inspiring individuals to pursue careers in public service, and helping people like me in my senior year of high school, figure out their future path." -- Owen Reese, Queens University of Charlotte #WACCImpact Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Michael Realon

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte was proud to bring together local experts Shelley Rigger (Davidson College) and Tate Nurkin (military defense and Indo-Pacific security specialist) to discuss China-US relations and national security with our members and supporters. It was a unique opportunity to gain valuable real-time insights from leading voices in international affairs, right here in Charlotte! Become a WACC member today. --> https://lnkd.in/gRyr7vhK

You can sign up for WACC's upcoming programs and events through our website: https://lnkd.in/gWetSzA5 Have questions about our events? Email info@worldaffairscharlotte.org

Exciting news for all WorldQuest participants! The 2024 WorldQuest / Academic WorldQuest study guide has just been released! While it's packed with valuable information to help you prepare for the competition, remember that using it is not required. Feel free to use any resources that work best for you. - https://lnkd.in/eyeMRyu4

Now Accepting Applications! The WACC invites K-12 educators to apply for the Margaret Gragg Bissell 2024-2025 Council Scholar Award Program! This unique opportunity allows selected teachers to travel abroad and bring global perspectives back to their classrooms. Eligible applicants must work in schools within Mecklenburg, Iredell, Cabarrus, Lincoln, Gaston, or Union Counties. Apply here: https://bit.ly/4dkkPzN Learn more: https://lnkd.in/etrn3fVY Deadline: Friday, January 10, 2025 WACC's Council Scholar program is generously supported by The Margaret Gragg Bissell Teacher-Centered International Education Endowment and our corporate partners: Bank of America, Albemarle Corporation, UNC Charlotte, Atrium Health, Infosys, Tepper Sports & Entertainment, Truist, Forvis Mazar, and PDM US. ⁠

Join YPWACC on October 17th for an Oktoberfest Happy Hour event at Gilde Brewery. From 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, you will be able to mingle with internationally minded peers, have drinks, food, participate in a stein holding competition with a prize, and more! Register Here: https://bit.ly/4escZEy #YPWACC #social #networking #oktoberfest #internationalclt