St. PETERSBURG WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL (SPWAC)
SPWAC bridges the local and the global, bringing the world to our community.
SPWAC is a member of the World Affairs Councils of America,
a nonprofit network of 90+ foreign affairs education-focused organizations.
We offer at least 12 programs annually in St. Petersburg
expert lectures, concerts, book talks, films, and international travel opportunities.
Special pricing for SPWAC members.
Join us!
May 11, 2026
Half day Conference: "Microbes Without Borders"
Keynoter: Dr. Robert Gallo
Participants: Dr. Christian Bréchot, Dr. Zach Porterfield, Dr. Amber Mehmood, Dr. Kanika Tomalin, Dr. Sten Vermund, D. Hariom Yadav
Monday, May 11, 2026, 8:30 am – 1 pm
USF-SP University Student Center, 200-6th Ave. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
General admission : $40, SPWAC member: $30, Faculty & Student: Free
April 8, 2026
Concert and Discussion
Missing Voices: Music by Jewish Composers Killed in the Holocaust
French pianist Dimitri Malignan and American soprano Lily Arbisser — Reception to follow concert
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 5:30 – 8 pm
Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, 140 – 4th Street North, St. Petersburg
SPWAC & Florida Holocaust Museum Members $25, Future SPWAC Members $35,
Free for students and children attending with adults
April 7, 2026
Conference organized by Belleair CC
Iran, and the Future of the US-Russia Rivalry in the Middle East
Introduction by Ambassador Adam Blackwell
Speaker Dr. Armand Mahmoudian of the USF Global and National Security Institute
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 5:30 – 8 pm
Belleair CC, 1 Country Club Ln, Belleair, FL 33756
Free, but registration in advance at madisson@belleaircc.com
PAST EVENTS
March 25, 2026
Discover What Connects Us All
"Embracing our Differences"
Experience a powerful collection of international artworks and inspiring quotations selected from thousands of submissions worldwide. This isn't just an exhibition—it's a journey through our shared humanity that will leave you moved and uplifted.
Your Exclusive Guided Experience:
Join SPWAC for an intimate docent-led tour through this transformative exhibition at Poynter Park. Our expert guide will reveal the stories behind the art and help you discover the unexpected threads that connect us across cultures and continents.
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Meet at: Circular driveway, USF-SP Harbor Hall, 1000 3rd Street South, St. Petersburg
FREE Admission – Donations gratefully accepted to support future cultural programming
Learn more about World Affairs Travel Experiences
St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs has a rich history of bringing together distinguished diplomats, military, media, and academic experts
to discuss critical international issues of the day. This year we are offering an innovative format that will allow for a hybrid virtual and in-person experience.
We look forward to you joining us this year to advance your insight, understanding, and impact in the community.