Past Council Events
Portland in the Global Economy
What is Portland’s role in a global economy? Join the Young Professionals as we discuss our region’s strategy for growing exports and hear first-hand from International Relations Director for the City of Portland, Noah Siegel. Read More ››
Ambondrona, Madagascar’s award-winning pop/rock band at IFCC
World Affairs Council of Oregon and Ethos Music Center team up to present AMBONDRONA, Madagascar's award-winning pop-rock band. Free and all-ages. Read More ››
China’s Rocky Political Transition
One of the leading scholars on contemporary politics in China, Bruce Gilley weighs in on recent developments. Could encroaching capitalism and pressures for more democratization mean a kinder, softer China? Are all these recent events indicative of a larger wave that is rewriting China’s political rules? Read More ››
Little America: The War Within the War for Afghanistan
Washington Post correspondent Rajiv Chandrasekaran (author of the award winning Imperial Life in the Emerald City) discusses how Obama's hope for a good war and the Pentagon's desire for a resounding victory in Afghanistan would end up as neither. Read More ››
All Eyes East: Youth & the New Consumerism in China
Expected to reach a population of 500 million under the age of 30 by 2015, youth in China are steadily claiming the title of the world’s number one consumers. Empowered by the income and expectations of four grandparents and two parents, young Chinese are redefining what it means to be modern. Read More ››
International Visitor Program Mixer: Cultural Heritage Preservation
Nine visitors from Bolivia, Chile, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua are coming to Oregon to look at Cultural Heritage Preservation in July, and we are holding a reception in their honor. Read More ››
Colored Pencils Arts & Culture Night
Founded in 2008 to highlight the rich tapestry of arts and cultural diversity of New Portland –vital communities from every corner of the globe who now call this city home – Colored Pencils is a monthly moveable feast showcasing international cuisine, visual art, and an open mic for performing artists. Read More ››
Beyond Landmines: What’s Next for World Peace?
Jody Williams (who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 for her work to ban landmines) explores the evolving concept of peace—a vision that moves beyond simply the absence of armed conflict and is defined more by human security, not national security. Read More ››