STL Connects With National World Affairs Councils Annual Meeting

Speaking on “Breaking Out of Orbit: Trends in Space Policy” are Laura Delgado López’ the Advocacy Lead, Harris Corp. Space; Intelligence Systems and Editor-in-Chief, Space Policy Journal; Audrey M. Schaffer, Director for Space Strategy and Plans U.S. Department of Defense; Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director at the Secure World Foundation; and Theresa Hitchens, Senior Research Associate, Center for International Security Studies, University of Maryland

For nearly three decades, the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) National Conference has brought World Affairs Council leaders and members to engage with top government officials, diplomats, business executives, innovators, journalists, educators, and students on the most pressing global issues and policy choices that impact our lives.

The World Affairs Council of St. Louis was represented by President Pierce Powers, Jr. and Executive Director Robert Foster.

Highlights of the meeting included the membership meeting of WACA, which represents more than 90 councils nationally. Major programs include Academic WorldQuest, Great Decisions discussion series, ambassador visits and discussions and events.

Amb. Roman Popadiuk, chairman of the WACA Board, WAC-STL Executive Director Robert Foster and President Pierce Powers, Jr.

During the meeting, Powers and Foster met with former Ukraininan Ambassador Roman Popadiuk, now board chairman of WACA, regarding potential Ukrainian interest in the St. Louis agribusiness and technology scene.

The two attended a reception at the Organization of American States, featuring a salute to the 75th Anniversary of the Foreign Policy Association and observance of the 100th Anniversary of the conclusion of World War I. Powers and Foster also met with officials from Global Ties, the primary administrator of the International Visitor Leadership Program, which brings nearly 200 visitors to St. Louis.