Originally published Jan 17, 2022
The Council of International Visitors to Iowa Cities (CIVIC) is virtually hosting Bill Clifford, the President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of America (WACA), on February 10th at 3 PM CST. Bill will be speaking on WACA’s membership program for nonprofits. At the event, members will have an opportunity to learn about why other Global Ties’ community members have also become members of WACA.
To join the event, register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5WUzoGwOSZisxw_TGdiYEQ
In an interview with Global Ties US, Bill said, "World Affairs Councils offer unique public forums where citizens can engage leaders on difficult policy questions through civil discourse. We play a powerful educational role in our communities and partner with like-minded organizations whenever possible to remind Americans that the advantages of global engagement trump the temptations of turning inward."
He added, "With more than two dozen member organizations in common, WACA and Global Ties US share 'good genes.' Our respective national meetings would be a good stage for diving deeper on this question."
Before joining WACA in September 2013, Bill spearheaded the revitalization and growth of WorldBoston, a WACA member Council known for innovative programming, access to leaders, and a tradition of advancing public learning about critical international issues. Bill began his work in journalism reporting on international economics, finance, and politics for several newspapers. Previously, Bill served as Asia bureau chief for the pioneering multimedia venture CBS MarketWatch, where he launched and directed news bureaus in Japan and Hong Kong. He started in broadcast news with Asia Business News TV and was senior correspondent in Tokyo for CNBC Asia after its merger with ABN.
Bill was appointed as a member of the Korea Economic Institute of America's advisory council. He was also appointed nonresident senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute of the Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Bill holds an MA from Johns Hopkins SAIS, a BA summa cum laude in international relations and French literature from Tufts University, and a CEP from Sciences Po in Paris.
WACA was established in 1986 as a membership organization. The organization helps its members:
Obtain face-to-face connections and dialogue with global leaders, business executives, policy experts, social innovators, and distinguished opinion makers.
Explore new ideas in dozens of dynamic Council events each week that shape public discourse on a range of critical issues, including national security; the economy and international trade; global health; energy and the environment; immigration; human rights; education; and culture.
Challenge the next generation to develop leadership skills and global understanding so that our communities can better compete, collaborate, and make informed decisions.
Reach out to "grassroots" and "grasstops" citizens, disseminate research, mutually expand networks and transform how people, enterprises, and governments think about the world.
Expand informed, respectful public discourse about international relations and current events through WACA conference calls, podcasts, information services, and social media. We are digitally accessible from anywhere in the world.
To join the event, register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5WUzoGwOSZisxw_TGdiYEQ