Featured Events

April 15th, 2026: WACC Global Business Series with the Honorable Elaine F. Marshall, North Carolina Secretary of State – “Local Roots, Global Reach: Driving Economic Growth Through International Partnerships”

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte will host North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall on April 15 for a timely conversation on how international partnerships are fueling record-setting economic growth across the state. Secretary Marshall will discuss the role of foreign direct investment, global business relationships, and international engagement in strengthening North Carolina’s economy, creating jobs, and positioning communities across the state for long-term success.

April 14th, 2026: WACC Private Dinner with the Honorable Elaine F. Marshall, North Carolina Secretary of State

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte will host an exclusive private dinner with the Honorable Elaine F. Marshall, North Carolina Secretary of State, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 for a conversation on the role of foreign direct investments, global business, and international engagement in shaping North Carolina’s economic future. Guests will hear directly from Secretary Marshall and have the opportunity to ask questions during a discussion on how global connections continues to drive economic growth and opportunity across the state.

April 7th, 2026: WACC 2026 China Town Hall Conversation on “The U.S.-China AI Race” + 2026 Annual China Town Hall Hosted by the  National Committee on United States-China Relations (Virtual)

As China rolls out its ambitious 2026–2030 five-year plan to lead in AI, robotics, and quantum computing, and the U.S. pursues its “Winning the AI Race” strategy, both nations are accelerating toward technological dominance. Dr. Min Jiang will help us understand the complex intersection between global politics, foreign policy, and the accelerating competition on AI between China and the U.S.

Video Highlights

WACC in the News

Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins (WFAE): Foreign Adversaries Sow Division in Local Communities, Including North Carolina, Report Says Listen Now

Roll Call: An Election That’s Bigger Than One Country. Read Now

City of Charlotte: Mayor Lyles To Present 26th Mayor’s International Community Awards Read Now

Charlotte Observer: It’s Time to Meet Your Neighbor Across the World, says Rick Steves. It Starts with Travel. Read Now

Charlotte Ledger: Rick Steves is Traveling with a Mission. Read More

Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins (WFAE): Getting to Know Travel Extraordinaire Rick Steves. Listen Now

Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins (WFAE): A Conversation with Fiona Hill — Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and the White House’s former top Russia adviser. Listen Now

Atrium Health: Dr. Derek Raghavan Reflects on Upcoming Retirement. Read Now

FOX 46 Charlotte: Retired Lieutenant General in Charlotte Gives Insight Into Russia-Ukraine War. Watch Now (YouTube)

WFAE: Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins  — Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General US Army Europe and Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA). Listen Now

WFAE: Delays Push Carolina Theatre Project To 2022, Hotel Coming Later. Read More

Charlotte Business Journal: Top Execs at Atrium Health, Wake Forest Discuss Why the Combination Made Sense. Read More

Charlotte Business Journal: President of Truist Financial Emphasizes Focus on Community Impact, Innovation at Charlotte Luncheon. Read More

WFAE: The President’s Finger Is The Only One On ‘The Button.’ Listen Now

WFAE: Charlotte MLS Team President Talks Atlanta Rivalry, Big Tepper Sports Plans. Read More