Local is Global and Global is Local: World Affairs Forum Makes the Connections

Stamford, CT, September 10, 2019 --(PR.com)-- The World Affairs Forum is sending a strong message this season along with a fresh take on topics and formats. For over seven decades the local chapter of the World Affairs Councils of America has been increasing awareness of global realities by bringing world experts and authors to speak to local communities, with audiences mostly comprised of business and non-profit professionals across all industries.

“Real people with personal perspectives shape global policy and these policies impact us on a personal level. Local is global and vice versa is our message when it comes to world issues and institutions that impact us every day. We also see this play out at our events. Our shared personal interest in the world creates community conversations that are often gateways to building meaningful connections, socially conscious careers and impactful leadership roles,” says Wendy Skratt, Executive Director.

The message that global is local also aims at increasing resident engagement. Most people in Fairfield and Westchester counties have ties to countries all over the world so the typical resident is always invited to the table, whether they are a stay-at-home parent, student or business professional in any industry.

“Along those same lines, the people who shape our global policies and institutions are often living nearby in CT and NY. We can’t overestimate the value of having so many influential education business and policy leaders living right here that are happy to share their insights,” says, John Knopf, Board Chair.

“Our new approach to programming aligns with our message. Instead of choosing the influential regions of most interest and matching a speaker to each geographical area, we are combining this approach with hitting the global hot topics that are currently unfolding. Scheduling this way can be challenging, but we have figured out how to switch or re-approach a topic to address what is top-of-mind for our local audience,” says George Paik, Program Committee Chair.

The World Affairs Forum has also added new program formats with more discussion, debate groups and fireside chats. The Q&A format is a popular approach when it comes to exploring a topic. The right format can make stories come to life and stick with you.

This season's kick-off dinner event will be held at the Stamford Yacht Club and will cover the U.S. and Taliban peace talks going on in Afghanistan with Former Ambassador of Afghanistan to France and to Canada, Omar Samad on Thursday, September 12th from 6:30-9:00pm.

The Stamford chapter of the World Affairs Forum serves Fairfield and Westchester Counties and is a member of the World Affairs Councils of America founded in 1946 to increase awareness of world affairs. For more information go to WorldAffairsForum.org.