Dallas skyline through the construction of the top of Reunion Tower.

About Us

For more than 70 years, we have been engaging the world here in North Texas. Here’s why:

The Dallas/Fort Worth region, the nation’s fourth largest metropolitan area with a population of 8 million, is both an economic powerhouse with a global reach and a rich human mosaic that welcomes people from nearly every country in the world. We need informed citizens to understand the complexities of an interconnected world, welcome the world to Texas, and bring Texas to the world. That was true in 1951, when H. Neil Mallon and 16 other globally minded civic leaders founded the Council.

“The Council enables its members to combat public indifference and apathy in world affairs in a forceful, effective manner,” Mr. Mallon said. “And it establishes our region as one of the country’s foremost cities in its knowledge of world affairs.”

His words apply today as much as ever. Building on that seven-decade legacy, we work to create connections, generate ideas, and inspire action in all we do.

We build those connections on four basic pillars:

Audience members at a Council event

Events and Public Programs

We invite some of the world’s most interesting and accomplished people to learn first-hand about issues, cultures, and challenges that shape our world and affect our future.

A student sits at a table surrounded by other students at a large event.

Education

Our Global Young Leaders program encourages thousands of area students to become civically engaged, learn about the world, and consider internationally-oriented careers that will make it better.

International visitors enjoy the company of a local home host.

International Visitor Programs

Working with the U.S. Department of State, we coordinate an extensive team of volunteers, businesses, and community leaders to host professionals and future leaders from around the world.

Members of the Consular Corps of Dallas/Fort Worth enjoying conversation

Protocol Services

Through partnership with the City of Dallas, we welcome high-level international visitors and support dignitary relations for the City. The Council enjoys strong ties to the international community by serving as secretariat for the DFW Consular Corps.

Our Mission

We are an engaged community of diverse thinkers inspiring deeper understanding by exploring national and international affairs, systems, and cultures that shape the human experience.
Discussion with an international visitor group

Our Vision

With the Council’s investment, DFW will become a community of people who have overcome polarization through civil discourse, gained a deeper understanding of our world, and are inspired to be actively engaged as citizens in our democracy.

Why are we here?

The Dallas/Fort Worth region, the nation’s fourth largest metropolitan area with a population of 8 million, is both an economic powerhouse with a global reach and a rich human mosaic that welcomes people from nearly every country in the world.

More than ever, we need informed citizens to understand the complexities of an interconnected world, welcome the world to Texas, and bring Texas to the world. We create connections, generate ideas, and inspire action.

Program participant (Maisie Heiken) greets the keynote speaker (Ned Price)

Why should you join?

Our community has nearly 4,000 members, from generous corporate sponsors to individuals who can only afford the minimum level. We welcome them all because we believe that the benefits we offer enhance global perspectives, one North Texan at a time, and build a better society.

Dallas Council on World Affairs - Archival Image

Our History

The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth has been building international bridges for the region since 1951 when Dresser Industries’ chairman and president Henry Neil Mallon saw the need for a local institution to encourage citizen understanding, engagement and involvement in international affairs.

Explore Our History