World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh

Since 1931, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh has helped our region understand the world. Today, as global pressures shape local realities, that work is more important than ever.

Our Spring Fundraiser is happening now, and we’re working to raise $15,000 by the start of summer to support programs that connect global issues to local civic life.

We hope you’ll take part. Make your gift:
https://worldpittsburgh.networkforgood.com/projects/299395-2026-spring-campaign

What does belonging feel like for young people today?

We’re asking students in grades 6–12 to share their experiences through our Youth Belonging & Civic Engagement Survey.

Responses are shared (anonymously) with schools and youth-serving organizations to help them better understand and better support young people.

⏱ Takes less than 15 minutes
📣 Your voice can shape how people think about youth and engagement

Take the survey (or pass it on to a young person you know!): https://forms.gle/jSifmQBHQ5MJ8ccM6

Global freedom is under pressure. And yet, people are still showing up.

Around the world, people are stepping up to demand accountability, defend rights, and participate in shaping their communities.

What does it take for democracy to endure?

Join us on May 12th for Civic Futures: Democracy in a Changing World as we explore that question with Freedom House president Gerardo Berthin and CNN's Jim Sciutto.

Register:
https://worldpittsburgh.networkforgood.com/events/99398-civic-futures-democracy-in-a-changing-world

According to Freedom House, global freedom declined for the 20th consecutive year in 2025. Most concerning, the United States experienced its sharpest decline ever.

And yet, democracy endures in many places.

What does it take for democracy to sustain itself? What can we learn from the people and places doing that work?

Join us on May 12th at Civic Futures: Democracy in a Changing World to start figuring it out.

Register:
https://worldpittsburgh.networkforgood.com/events/99398-civic-futures-democracy-in-a-changing-world

Spring is (finally) here for good. Time to get outside.

Join us on May 16 for a relaxed, no-drop bike ride through Pittsburgh’s Northside.

Let’s shake off the dust, ride together, and reconnect on two wheels.

📅 May 16
🚲 All experience levels welcome

Register:
https://worldpittsburgh.networkforgood.com/events/99620-global-community-bike-ride-the-democracy-experiment

Just 3 weeks to go!

Join us on May 12 for the launch of Civic Futures, a new series exploring how democracy is practiced, sustained, and strengthened today.

Featuring CNN's Jim Sciutto and Freedom House President Gerardo Bertin, this first event is all about democracy in a changing world. What does it take for democracy to endure in an era of global pressure and rising division?

📘 PLUS: Jim Sciutto will be signing copies of his book The Return of Great Powers on sale from Stay Gold Books

Register now:
https://worldpittsburgh.networkforgood.com/events/99398-civic-futures-democracy-in-a-changing-world

TOMORROW: When the World Must Act: Why Multilateralism Matters in Preventing Genocide

Fewer than 10 spots remain to join this timely conversation on what’s at stake for conflict resolution in a rapidly changing world.

📅 Tomorrow, Thursday, April 16th
🕕 6:00PM networking | 6:30PM program
📍 Barco Law Building, Pitt Campus

Register now:
https://worldpittsburgh.networkforgood.com/events/99231-when-the-world-must-act-why-multilateralism-matters-in-preventing-genocide

What does it take for democracy to endure in a changing world? We're launching a new series called Civic Futures to explore how democratic societies adapt, respond, and evolve in the face of global change.

We’re proud to kick off the series on May 12th with a special event at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc. featuring Freedom House President Gerardo Berthin and CNN ’s Jim Sciutto, in partnership with PublicSource and the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh.

Join us and activate your civic senses: https://worldpittsburgh.networkforgood.com/events/99398-civic-futures-democracy-in-a-changing-world

Proud to see our Youth Fellows' work featured in KidsburghPgh .

This recent story highlights how young leaders are designing simulation games and leading trainings that help organizations rethink how young people are included in decision-making spaces.

Read more:
https://www.kidsburgh.org/these-3-moonshot-projects-are-equipping-pittsburgh-youth-with-tools-to-create-their-own-future/

These 3 Moonshot projects are equipping Pittsburgh youth with tools to create their own future These programs grew from different inspirations, but all three create space for young voices to grow plus mentorship and structure.

⏳ Just two weeks away and we'renearly full.

Fewer than 20 spots remain for When the World Must Act: Why Multilateralism Matters in Preventing Genocide.

As global conflicts continue to test international cooperation, this conversation will examine why efforts to prevent mass atrocities so often fall short and what can be done about it.

📅 Thursday, April 16
🕕 6:00PM reception | 6:30PM program

RSVP now before space runs out:
https://worldpittsburgh.networkforgood.com/events/99231-when-the-world-must-act-why-multilateralism-matters-in-preventing-genocide