World In Transition

Speaker Series

The WAC flagship Speaker Series features forward-thinking and experienced diplomats, authors, and thought-leaders in diverse fields to share their expertise with our community members. The series focuses on diverse perspectives and research on global issues and provides attendees the opportunity to engage in Q&A with guest speakers.

World in Transition Speakers

Past WAC speakers include Mikhail Gorbachev, Colin Powell, Christiane Amanpour, John Sculley, and countless other trailblazers.

WAC is able to provide a limited number of complimentary tickets for students who wish to attend our Speaker Series. If you are an educator or student and would like more information on reserving these tickets, please contact us!

Want to take advantage of all that WAC has to offer while supporting our mission? It is our mission to inform and inspire our community to think and act globally. To reap the benefits from our variety of programs, please consider joining WAC as a Member!

Featured Speaker Programs

General Speaker Events

Past Events

Featured
A Culinary Journey Around Louisville: Venezuelan Cuisine
Nov 6
A Culinary Journey Around Louisville: Venezuelan Cuisine
WAC Diplomatic Briefing | Where to Next? The Evolving Landscape of US-Cuba Relations
Oct 21
WAC Diplomatic Briefing | Where to Next? The Evolving Landscape of US-Cuba Relations
A Culinary Journey Around Louisville: Ethiopian Cuisine with Queen of Sheba
Sep 19
A Culinary Journey Around Louisville: Ethiopian Cuisine with Queen of Sheba

This event presents a unique opportunity to experience Ethiopian cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant flavors, communal dining, and cultural richness. Beyond the delicious food, this gathering is a chance to foster connections within our community, engage in meaningful conversations, and deepen our appreciation for global cultures.

Great Decisions Discussion | NATO’s Future
Sep 11
Great Decisions Discussion | NATO’s Future

Scientific advances benefit from collaboration between researchers, but what happens when material, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is controversial and important to a nation’s national security? Is there a middle ground between sharing information and denying access? How can we regulate cooperation?

Sister Cities: Mainz (Germany) Leadership Trip 2024
Sep 7
Sister Cities: Mainz (Germany) Leadership Trip 2024

Embark on a unique journey with our delegation tour to Mainz, Germany, and unlock a world of opportunities, culture, and connections!

CANCELED: Luncheon with Ambassador of Ghana, H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama
Sep 4
CANCELED: Luncheon with Ambassador of Ghana, H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama

In celebration of 45 years of Sister Cities’ relationship between Louisville and Tamale, WAC will be hosting a conversation with the Ambassador of Ghana to the U.S., H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama. Ambassador Mahama will offer remarks on Ghana’s role in Africa and its relationship with the U.S. , followed by a conversation with Prosper Africa and Chief Ife Bell, who holds the traditional tribal leader title of Zosimli Naa in the Dagbon Kingdom in Northern Ghana. Their discussion will touch on the geopolitical significance of Ghana, and opportunities and challenges that exist for people to engage with the country through economic, trade, and social and educational exchanges.

Join us for an exclusive luncheon that opens the door to transformative global opportunities and how 45 years of Sister Cities relationship between Louisville and Tamale advances these opportunites between Kentucky and Ghana. 

Hosted by the World Affairs Council Louisville Sister Cities, in collaboration with The Office of Zosimli Naa Ife Bell and Prosper Africa.

The Power of Power: The Global Battle for Energy Resources with Ernest Scheyder, Author of "The War Below"
Aug 22
The Power of Power: The Global Battle for Energy Resources with Ernest Scheyder, Author of "The War Below"

As the demand for various everyday items and technologies that we rely on, including smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems, continues to rise, so does the demand for lithium and copper, making their mining crucial for sustaining modern lifestyles and advancing technological innovation. While these resources are essential for modern technology, their extraction can have significant environmental and social implications, and they are critical for the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

CANCELLED - A Conversation with H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama, Ghanaian Ambassador to the U.S.
Aug 6
CANCELLED - A Conversation with H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama, Ghanaian Ambassador to the U.S.

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