Menu
Log in

World Affairs Council Hilton Head



2023/2024 Distinguished Speaker Series

The Distinguished Speaker Series, our principal program, usually takes place on the first and third Fridays of each month at the First Presbyterian Church – October through May.  Speakers come from around the globe who are known for their international experience in government, business, military affairs and academia. International speakers are supported by our Global Speakers Program

Admission to the Distinguished Speaker Series is a primary benefit of joining WACHH. Guests are invited to attend as well (see Guest Policy).

Meetings are hosted at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head. Programs start at 10:00 AM with the featured speaker addressing the audience for approximately 50 minutes, followed by a Q & A session. Programs end at 11:30 AM. The Council is a 501 (c) 3, nonpartisan educational organization that takes no political position on the topics presented.

Interested in having more time with our speakers? Consider becoming a sponsor today: 23 24 Sponsorship Agreement

Download the 2023-2024 Speaker Program Calendar (PDF) 

Date  Presenter   Topic
October 6, 2023 John Bolton

Why national-security issues should play a more important role in the 2024 presidential and congressional election campaigns

October 20, 203 Michael Auslin Power Clash: India, China, America and Asia’s New Geopolitics
November 3, 2023 Bruce Jentleson Do Sanctions Work?
November 10, 2023** Anna Wieslander Sweden and Finland’s accession to NATO and the impact on the Baltics, NATO, and U.S. policy
December 1, 2023
Dr. Brad Ringeisen The Application of CRISPR, a revolutionary gene editing technology, in Resolving Global Diseases and Ameliorating the Consequences of Climate Change
January 5, 2024
Phillip Saunders How safe is Taiwan and for how long?
January 19, 2024**
Peter Ammon A turning point in history: How Russia's invasion of Ukraine is impacting Europe
February 2, 2024
Michael Singh

How the Saudi-Iran deal changes US influence in the Middle East

February 16, 2024
Amb. Lawrence Silverman From Kuwait to Hilton Head: A Former U.S. Ambassador's Insights on Current Issues in the Middle East
March 1, 2024
Rami Khoury The Future of the Arab world - transformation or more turbulence?
March 15, 2024 Gustavo Flores-Macias What the Mexican presidential election means to the future trajectory of Mexico
April 5, 2024**
Richard Heydarian New Cold War: Philippines, Taiwan, and the Sino-American Struggle for Global Mastery
April 26, 2024
Ed Schoonveld Critical Considerations in Global Drug Pricing Policies and Solutions for Improving Patient Access at Affordable Prices
May 3, 2024
Paige Alexander The Nexus of Peace and Public Health: Lessons from Africa


**Made possible by the Global Speakers Program

Sponsors

Ambassador Level

  • Bob & Lynn Burt (2)
  • Peter & Pam Cooper
  • Arno & Liz Dimmling
  • Steven and Barbara Walters Doehrman 
  •  Jim Irwin & Margaret McManus
  • Les & Michele Janka 
  • Barbara Johnson
  • Toney Mathews
  • Anne & Bill Millhaem
  • Cindy Petitt
  • Lori & David Wellinghoff
  • Georgia & Henry West
  • Lee & Ruth Wilwerding

Diplomat Level

  • Elizabeth & Thomas Belenchia
  • Jan Cooper & Ray Marcinowski (2)
  • Lynn & Tom Cordy
  • John & Lesley Gilbert (3)
  • Lesley Green 
  •  Suzanne Joyce & Tom Tomfohrde (2)
  • Cindy & Ron Latin (2)
  • David & Lisa Long
  • Rick & Sue Mitchell (2)
  • Peter Spreadbury 

Sea Pines Real Estate

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

The Cypress of Hilton Head


Jolley Law Group



Video Archives

Video Archives for past Speaker Meetings are available through the Members Only page. You must be logged into your account as a member of World Affairs Council to access this page. 


World Affairs Council of Hilton Head

Office: 200 Main St. #201 M, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Mail: PO Box 22523, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

843-384-6758  |  execdirector@wachh.org

Member, World Affairs Council of America


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software