World Affairs Council of Greater Houston

The importance and relevance of our mission is apparent on a daily basis, as we witness how the actions of a few can have reverberating consequences for the world at large, with decisions made by politicians, business leaders or the general electorate, potentially affecting many generations to come.  

The World Affairs Council of Greater Houston is a nonprofit organization and is a member of the World Affairs Councils of America, a national organization with chapters in more than 95 U.S. cities. Councils were first established in the U.S. at the end of World War I as a result of America's increased international responsibilities. It became critical for our citizenry to be better informed in world affairs, through local discussions, participation and lectures accessible to all. The importance of this mission became more apparent after World War II, and yet again after the Cold War. Councils around the U.S., including the Houston Council, continued to grow and serve their communities. 

The Council in Houston has provided programs since 1969, first as the Gulf Coast World Affairs Council and ultimately in its current role as the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston, reaching all communities in the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Today the World Affairs Council has over 7,000 members currently enrolled, making us one of the largest and most successful Councils and public forums in the nation. 

Now, more than ever, it is important that we equip residents of our Global City with the tools to succeed in an interconnected global world, where the actions of one citizen, one community, one nation, can impact us all.