About Us
Board of Directors
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The Columbia World Affairs Council is a member of the national World Affairs Councils of America,  the largest grassroots organization in the United States dedicated to inspiring, educating and engaging Americans in international affairs and the critical global issues of our times. 

The Columbia World Affairs Council is a member of Sister Cities International and has administered the Sister City program on behalf of the City of Columbia since 1996.

The Columbia World Affairs Council is also a member of the South Carolina Association of Nonprofit Organizations (SCANPO), the statewide network of nonprofit organizations.

ABOUT THE COLUMBIA WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL

Founded in 1993, the Columbia World Affairs Council is a private, non-profit 501(c) 3 non-partisan organization in the Midlands region of South Carolina, located in the state capital.

We serve as the bridge between our local community and its global counterparts. In recent years, South Carolina has experienced rapid growth in international business, politics and culture. Devoted to promoting intercontinental awareness in South Carolina, the Columbia World Affairs Council exists not only for the state’s benefit, but also for its citizens by enhancing their opportunities to engage in projects that are beneficial to the international community. 

Members might be invited to spend an evening with an ambassador, attend seminars on crucial topics presented by different nations, or even dine with foreign diplomats, dignitaries or international business executives.

OUR MISSION

  • Develop programs to foster and expand grassroots understanding of international affairs within and beyond South Carolina’s borders

  • Serve as a catalyst for building and maintaining relationships between South Carolina and the rest of the world

  • Increase the visibility of South Carolina as a world-class state through participation in Sister Cities International, local programming and international partnerships