ABOUT US
Who We Are
The Los Angeles World Affairs Council (LAWAC) is one of the most prestigious speaker's forums in Southern California, delivering nonpartisan programming focused on global, national, and local affairs for members and the residents of the Los Angeles region. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, LAWAC serves as a catalyst for positive change, offering a space for diverse voices to converge and address critical issues facing our world. The Council's ability to engage business leaders, government officials, and students reflects its commitment to inclusivity and a belief in the power of dialogue to drive meaningful solutions, while fostering a sense of global citizenship within the Los Angeles community.
What We Do
From its roots in 1953, the LAWAC has had a vision to bridge cultural divides and foster dialogue on international affairs. The Council has brought over 250 international heads of state, eight U.S. Presidents, and many thought leaders, diplomats, and active citizens together in the shared pursuit of understanding the complexities of our interconnected world.
Just a few of the legacy programs that live on in our organization’s collective memory include Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., U.S. President Ronald Reagan, The Dalai Lama, Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, U.S. President George W. Bush, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and Microsoft Founder Bill Gates.
