The Vermont Council on World Affairs

“…to promote awareness and understanding of the world and its people…”

Our Mission

The Vermont Council on World Affairs, in cooperation with the public and private sectors, promotes an awareness and understanding of the world and its people through public forums, hosting international visitors and working with our educational institutions to develop programs for students, faculty, staff and community.

A Brief History

In 1952, Vermonter Warren Austin, a former U.S. Senator and the first U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations founded the Vermont Council on World Affairs to promote awareness and understanding of world affairs through education and engagement.

Since that time, the VCWA has welcomed thousands of visitors to Vermont, facilitated hundreds of seminars and educational events, and generated millions of dollars in positive economic impact for the state.

For many years, the organization was housed or affiliated with the University of Vermont. From 2000-2009, it was affiliated with Saint Michael’s College, after which it became an affiliate and partner of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Now, nearly 70 years later, the VCWA continues to bring Vermont to the world and the world to Vermont while also embracing the opportunities of the digital age.

The VCWA gratefully acknowledges support from its many community sponsors, from the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, Global Ties U.S., the World Affairs Council of America and the Open World Program of the United States Congress; without whom, our past accomplishments and future success might not be possible.

What We’ve Achieved

  • Nearly 70 years of bringing the world to Vermont and Vermont to the world.

  • Millions of dollars in economic impact generated within the state of Vermont.

  • Over the past three years, more than 600 established and emerging leaders from more than 75 countries were welcomed to Vermont.

  • Over the past three years, more than 650 meetings were held between international visitors and local businesses & organizations.

  • Nearly 100,000 points of cross cultural engagement over the past three years.

  • Visitors from more than 65 countries were welcomed to Vermont in 2019 alone.