World Affairs Council Upstate
Maintaining an Active Voice in World Affairs
Promoting Global Identity in the Upstate.
Global Security Forum - 2024
Theme: Power Play
Join the World Affairs Council of Connecticut, in partnership with the World Affairs Council Upstate South Carolina, at the Global Security Forum (GSF) 2024—a premier event dedicated to addressing critical security and defense challenges. This year’s theme, “Power Plays,” delves into the shifting strategic alliances that will shape our future, highlighting both allies and adversaries. Whether you participate virtually or in person, GSF 2024 provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights from global leaders and field experts.
Doing Business With Canada
Our neighbor to the north is an important player in Upstate South Carolina’s economy. More than 60 Canadian-based companies call our region home, landing Canada the No. 3 spot for highest concentration of companies by country in our region.
Join us to hear from Rosaline Kwan, Consul General of Canada in Atlanta, for an economic update on Canadian trade, business, and immigration and how her office helps U.S. companies looking to do business with Canada.
Upstate SC Alliance presents this event in partnership with the European American Chamber of Commerce – Carolinas and World Affairs Council Upstate.
- Fall 2025
Join Us and Get Involved in Leading Discussions on Global Issues
At World Affairs Council Upstate, we are participants in shaping a global tomorrow. As a member of the World Affairs Councils of America, and the 2023 World Affairs Council of the Year, WAC Upstate invites you to broaden your understanding of critical world issues, network with international business leaders, innovators, academic researchers and experts, and participate in new opportunities for growth.
About WACA
A National Network of Nonpartisan Organizations
Form new Partnerships and Enhance Existing Collaborations
Dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of global affairs and cultures, and supported by individuals and businesses, the World Affairs Council Upstate helps globally-minded South Carolinians engage directly with each other and with topic experts, elected officials, civic leaders, and professionals from around the world. We partner with and promote other organizations and their effective implementation of impactful community initiatives.
Beyond the Headlines Speaker Series
View Events
Global Upstate Conference on International Business & World Affairs
Access our Online Speaker Series
View on Our Youtube Channel
If you could not attend, or you just want to view it again to refresh yourself on points that were discussed, you are in luck. We have posted PDF files of the slides, if any were used, in the presentation and a YouTube video recording of the presentations.
World Affairs Councils of America
Great Decisions, Travel the World, and World in Transition.
Every year, the nation-wide network of World Affairs Councils collectively conducts more than 1200 programs in communities and cities across the nation. Each council sets its own calendar and programs. The WACA offers a number of programs every year, including our annual National Conference, national program series, Leadership Missions, and special programs. It also acts as a distribution center for five national flagship programs: Academic World Quest, It’s Your World!
Each year, WACA negotiates subscription discounts with various publications for the Council network. This benefit is unique to WACA and serves as a reminder of the value of the national network. While the list of the confirmed discounts will continue to grow, we can announce today special discounts from:
- Foreign Affairs – Click here to get 30% a subscription for Foreign Affairs Plus
- World Politics Review – Click here to get full individual access for just $1 for the first three months, then only $48.50 for the first full year after that–50% off WPR’s standard rate.
- Project Syndicate – Click here to receive 30% off a Project Syndicate Digital or Project Syndicate Digital Plus subscription when using the code WACA2024.
Sign up to be the first to hear about upcoming events at member councils across the country, WACA office hours and roundtables for council-to-council development, member news and job opportunities, and more – all to help you promote nonpartisan global conversations and events from wherever you are.
Many of our WACA affiliates offer travel programs to cooperating councils, just another benefit of a WACU membership. The trips offer all the highlights of touring, as well as access to political leaders and local experts for behind the scenes briefings not available to most tourists. Many WACA tours feature Council leaders who are experts in their fields of diplomacy, journalism or academia to create added-value experiences. And, perhaps most importantly, travelers become Citizen Diplomats with an opportunity to ‘meet the people’ to foster the dynamic exchange of international cultures and ideas.
Please click for details about the World Affairs Council of Charlotte and the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia upcoming travel opportunities.
Upcoming Events
Learn Global, Network Local
WACU Steering Committee
Meet the team of educators and business leaders that are organizing & steering the efforts of the World Affairs Council Upstate.
