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You are invited!
The 2025
 GLOBAL VISION AWARD
 will be presented to

David M. Beasley
on Monday, December 1, at the Columbia Museum of Art

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​The Columbia World Affairs Council is pleased to present the 2025 Global Vision Award to David M. Beasley, ​recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize ​on behalf of the World Food Programme ​in his role as executive director (2017-23)​, South Carolina Governor (1995-99)​, and now Distinguished Professor of Practice & Public Service at the University of South Carolina School of Law. Governor Beasley will be honored at a black tie gala on Monday, December 1, at the Columbia Museum of Art. 

​This marks the 32nd year the Columbia World Affairs Council has presented the award to a leader whose contributions have made a significant impact on projecting South Carolina globally. The annual Global Vision Award Gala is the Council’s only fund-raising event. 

“This is an amazing honor, especially as recognition from the State I that love, serve, and call home,” said Beasley. “The initiative to fight global hunger is more relevant than ever, and the continued acknowledgement of South Carolina as a driving force to end it is what remains so special to me.”

​From 2017 to 2023, Beasley served as the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the largest humanitarian organization that assists over 160 million people annually. Under Beasley’s leadership, the WFP won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, for its efforts to combat hunger and prevent food from being used as a weapon of war—an honor which Beasley accepted in person. Since stepping down, from the WFP, Beasley has continued his humanitarian work such as efforts to establish aid mechanisms for crisis regions such as Gaza, Sudan and other areas of grave need.

“Governor Beasley had a tremendous economic and humanitarian impact on the State of South Carolina during his term in office,” said Bob Coble, chair of Columbia World Affairs Council Board of Directors, who served as Mayor of Columbia (1990-2010) during Beasley’s governorship. “His leadership of the UN World Food Programme extended that impact worldwide, showcasing the values of our state to strive for the prosperity of all.” 

Founded in 1993, Columbia World Affairs Council showcases South Carolina globally through enlightening educational programming and innovative international exchanges. Through our vast network of regional and international partners, the Council continues developing opportunities to increase economic prosperity and global awareness while advancing South Carolina as an international destination.

Established in 1994, and the first Global Vision Award recipient was Governor Carroll A. Campbell. The 2024 Award was given to the University of South Carolina's International Business Programs at the Darla Moore School of Business, honoring William R. Folks Jr., Kendall Roth, and posthumously, former Dean of the Business School, James F. Kane, in celebration of the renowned program's 50th anniversary. 
Download Full Press Release Here!
Get Your 2025 Global Vision Award Gala Tickets Now! 
Please also consider sponsoring a student!
2025 Global Vision Award Gala Tickets
Food preference
Please provide the names of your guests:
Download the Invitation to Share!

Have a Global Impact:
Become a 2025 GLOBAL VISION AWARD SPONSOR today! 

Download Full Sponsor Package Here!​​
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Please Select Sponsorship Level

​Additional levels available upon request! 
The Columbia World Affairs Council is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 non-partisan organization.
​All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Our Federal tax id is 57-0972662.


​
Sponsorship payments accepted with PayPal and checks. 
Please make checks payable to:
Columbia World Affairs Council
P.O. Box 5593, Columbia, S.C., 29250


For more information, call 803.348.4490 or email [email protected] 
Or simply click the banner below to...
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CLICK HERE FOR 2024 GALA PHOTOS!

THANK YOU!
2024 GLOBAL VISION SPONSORS

DIAMOND
IN MEMORY OF
DR. JIM KANE & DR. JEFF ARPAN
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GOLD
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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA - BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION
FRED J. MONK
SILVER
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BRONZE
MICHAEL & CATHRYN RENDER
in honor of Dr. Kendall Roth
CHRIS MANGUM, CHAIR, FOLKS CENTER GLOBAL ADVISORY BOARD
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SOUTHEAST
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SAM & MARY DREW
APRIL LUCAS & JOHN STUCKER
ODELL BARNES
KATHY & EMERSON SMITH
SAMUEL C. & MARY E. BASKIN WATERS FOUNDATION FUND OF
​CENTRAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
 

PAST GLOBAL VISION AWARD HONOREES


2024
USC International Business Programs,
honoring William R. Folks, Jr., Kendall Roth & Dean James F. Kane
See photos HERE!

2023
Coach Dawn Staley
See photos HERE!
2022
Dr. Jim Chow
See photos HERE!
2021
George Wolfe
See photos HERE!
2020
Harry Huge
2019
Dr. Henry N. Tisdale
See photos HERE!
2018
Senator Hugh K. Leatherman, Sr. 
See photos HERE!
2017
Mayor Joe Riley
​See photos HERE!
2016
Governor Nikki R. Haley
See photos HERE!
​2015
Dr. Harris Pastides
2014

Inez Moore Tenenbaum
2013
Governor Richard W. Riley 
2012
Bobby Hitt
SC Secretary of Commerce
2011
Senator Lindsey Graham
&
Congressman James E. Clyburn

2010
Paula Harper Bethea
2009
Ambassadors Robert V. Royall Jr.
& David Wilkins

2008
Dr. Andrew Sorensen
&
The Honorable Bob Coble 
2007
Ed Sellers
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
2006
Ms. Sabine Lang
Director, Lang-Mekra, N.A., LLC
2005 
Satch Krantz
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
2004
US Senator Fritz Hollings
​2003
Jasper Salmond
Community Activist

​2002
Governor John C. West
2001
SC State Ports Authority
2000
Ambassador Phil Lader
1999
Fred Monk
1998
Governor Robert McNair
1997 
Sister Mary Jacob
1996 
Ambassador Richard Walker
1995
Astronaut Major General Charles F. Bolden, Jr.
1994
Governor Carroll Campbell, Jr.

COLUMBIA WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL

2210 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29205
(P) 803.348.4490
[email protected]
© COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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