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Members of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta Board of Directors gather at The Carter Center for a strategic retreat focused on mission advancement, governance, and future impact. On September 11, the World Affairs Council of Atlanta's Board of Directors gathered at The Carter Center for a half-day retreat focused on the organization's future impact, mission advancement, and long-term sustainability. Facilitated by Mary Yntema, President and CEO of WorldBoston and a member

Rickey Bevington, President of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta, moderates a conversation with Rana Shabb of The Carter Center on Syria’s history, evolving identity, political transition, and path toward long-term stability. Published: September 23, 2026 The World Affairs Council of Atlanta recently hosted Syria After Assad: History, Identity, and the Search for Stability, bringing together our community for a timely virtual conversation examining Syria’s political

On Friday, September 18, 2026, the World Affairs Council of Atlanta welcomed the Global Leadership Fellows (GLF) 2027 cohort for their first official day together. Hosted by Dentons, the Orientation Retreat marked the beginning of a 10-month journey designed to challenge Fellows to grow as leaders, expand their global perspectives, and build meaningful relationships across sectors. The day was intentionally centered on connection. Thirteen Fellows arrived representing differe

Published August 24, 2026 The World Affairs Council of Atlanta recently welcomed members and guests for an exclusive tour of South Downtown Atlanta, offering a firsthand look at one of the city's most ambitious redevelopment efforts. The program was inspired and proposed by Daniel Dames, an Atlanta native and member of the Council's Young Leaders Executive Board, as an opportunity to explore how historic preservation, entrepreneurship, innovation and community investment are

Published: August 19, 2026 On Aug. 8, the World Affairs Council of Atlanta put its commitment to global citizenship into action locally as nine volunteers joined the Atlanta Community Food Bank for a morning of service, helping provide 7,503 meals for neighbors in need across metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Hosted by the Council's Young Leaders Executive Board, the volunteer event brought together globally minded professionals, students, and community members who share a co

Published: August 13, 2026 The World Affairs Council of Atlanta recently hosted a timely conversation exploring the geopolitical challenges facing U.S. engagement in the Pacific region. In this public program, The Pacific Islands and the New Global Competition, Council President Rickey Bevington spoke with John D. Brewer, Jr., Director of the Office of Insular Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Drawing on decades of experience in government and a deep familiari

Published: August 13, 2026 ATHENS, Ga. — World Affairs Council of Atlanta President Rickey Bevington joined business, government and civic leaders from across the state at the Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon on Aug. 5 at The Classic Center in Athens. The sold-out event, one of the Georgia Chamber's signature annual gatherings, focused on issues shaping Georgia's future, including economic growth, workforce development, housing, health care and business competitiveness.

Published: July 22, 2026 The World Affairs Council of Atlanta is pleased to announce the appointment of Riley Blount, president of AT&T Georgia, to its Board of Directors. Blount is a respected leader in Georgia's business and civic communities, bringing extensive experience in public affairs, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. Her leadership and expertise will help advance the Council's mission of connecting Atlantans to the world while strengthening Atlanta's

Jess Koloini, President and CEO, moderates a conversation with former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison on the Alliance’s priorities, challenges, and strategic outlook ahead of the 2026 NATO Summit. Published: July 8, 2026 Ahead of NATO’s July 7-8 summit in Ankara, Türkiye, the World Affairs Council of Atlanta hosted Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison — former U.S. ambassador to NATO, former U.S. senator from Texas, and a member of the Energy Advisory Council at the F

Rickey Bevington poses inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium with three England supporters dressed in lion costumes. Three lions have been used as England’s football emblem since the formation of The Football Association in 1863. Published: July 6, 2026 President Rickey Bevington represented the Council last week as a guest of the British Consulate in Atlanta during the FIFA World Cup match between England and the Democratic Republic of Congo at Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz) Stadium. The ev

Published: July 2, 2026 The World Affairs Council of Atlanta recently hosted a timely conversation exploring how Africa’s rapidly growing youth population will transform democracy, government, and politics across the continent in the twenty-first century. In this virtual program, Demographics Meet Democracy: How Young Africans Are Reshaping Politics, Council President Rickey Bevington spoke with Michelle Gavin, former U.S. Ambassador to Botswana and Ralph Bunche Senior Fello

Published: July 1, 2026 The World Affairs Council of Atlanta is honored to recognize a significant leadership transition as we celebrate Jim Reed, president of YKK Corporation of America and YKK Corp. group officer, for his exceptional service as chair of our board of directors, and welcome Asma Farid, partner at BroadPeak Capital and board member at Edible Brands, as our incoming chair. Honoring Jim Reed’s Service Reed has been a valued board director of the Council since 20

Published: Thursday June 25, 2026 As Spain's national team competed in Atlanta during the FIFA World Cup, business, government, and civic leaders gathered to discuss how international sporting events can serve as a catalyst for deeper relationships between cities, institutions, and countries. World Affairs Council of Atlanta Program Manager of Global Leadership Development Elena Fernandez joined the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Spain–U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Embassy of

Published: Monday June 22, 2026 President Rickey Bevington, Director Jackie Davis and Program Manager Elena Fernandez represented the World Affairs Council of Atlanta on June 18 at the South Africa vs. Czechia FIFA World Cup match at Atlanta Stadium. The event brought together thousands of fans from around the world, offering a vivid look at how global sports continue to shape Atlanta’s international identity. The match ended in a 1–1 draw, reflecting the competitive spirit a

Published: Friday June 19, 2026 The World Affairs Council of Atlanta held its semiannual board meeting June 10 at The Carter Center, a fitting venue for a discussion on global engagement, leadership and the council’s strategic direction. The meeting was hosted by Paige Alexander, CEO of The Carter Center and a member of the council’s board. Board members attending in person were Sam Olens, Jim Pirouz, Veronica Maldonado Torres, Jim Reed, Rich Phillips, Allison Padilla‑Goodman

Published: June 1, 2026 On May 21, 2026, World Affairs Council of Atlanta President Rickey Bevington and Director Jackie Davis attended the opening of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia, marking a significant milestone for both U.S. Soccer and the state’s growing role in international sports. The state-of-the-art complex is the first dedicated home of the U.S. Soccer Federation and is expected to serve as a hub for athletic excel