The World Affairs Council was founded in 1947 out of the interest generated by the founding of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1945. With over 10,000 members, we are the largest international affairs organization on the west coast. In addition to our headquarters in San Francisco's Union Square, we serve members through chapters in Contra Costa, Marin, and the Peninsula. We are the largest affiliate of the national World Affairs Councils of America.

We host more than 200 events every year with leading political and business leaders, academics, journalists, and artists. Council events are a unique opportunity to engage in candid discussions with people who are shaping the world. Most events are open to the general public, and we encourage open discussion.