World Affairs Seminar 2023

Climate Change: Youth Take Action

Saturday, June 24 – Friday, June 30, 2023

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Climate Change: Youth Take Action

Saturday, June 24 – Friday, June 30, 2023
Carroll University (Waukesha, Wis.)

Weather-related catastrophes wreaked havoc across the globe in 2021, and into 2022. Record heat waves gripped much of the western United States and parts of Canada in Summer 2021. Meanwhile, extreme storms in Germany and India triggered staggering levels of property damage, and the massive displacement of thousands. Climate change, in other words, is here, now and everywhere. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) forecasts that the globe may see a temperature rise of 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. Such a development would have profound consequences for people on every continent. The World Bank, for example, has estimated that three regions – Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia – will generate 143 million more climate migrants by 2050. As these individuals flee the worst conditions wrought by climate change, their movements will bring about significant economic, social, and political changes to countries throughout the world.

It is with such stark realities in mind that we must act to address climate change now. The United States has reentered the Paris Climate Accord, while Rotary International has recently made supporting the environment its newest focus area for Rotary efforts worldwide. The 2023 World Seminar, “Climate Change: Youth Take Action,” will provide the means for young people from around the world to learn about this timely topic. More importantly, WAS 2023 will empower youth to address the realities of climate change.  The fate of the planet is not preordained; the future need not be bleak. It is up to the next generation to now share the lead, to embrace – and devise – the ideas and tools necessary to create a more sustainable world. Our Earth, including all other species, depends on it. Climate Change: Youth Take Action can be a first step in this vital journey.

About the Seminar

At the 2023 seminar, we expect attendees from over thirty nations. Each delegate will have their own story and viewpoint, contributing to conversations about climate change from a variety of social, economic, political and cultural perspectives. By the time the Seminar is over, each delegate will not only know the stories of others and shared their own but will have gained skills to help them take action in the world they will inherit.

The World Affairs Seminar is truly an international experience. WAS brings together peers from around the world to learn international relations and develop skills in diplomacy, communication and cooperation. Since 1976 WAS has impacted and changed lives, providing highly relevant skills in group problem solving, negotiation and peaceful diplomacy. Featured speakers represent a wide variety of perspectives, opinions and backgrounds. We believe every point of view matter – we embrace and mandate healthy respectful debate leading to collaborative learning and growth. Your role is to distill information, identify priorities and develop defining skills to both lead and cooperate with others from different cultures to reach workable solutions.

Be a Delegate!

US & international High School Students between the ages of 15-18 years of age

The World Affairs Seminar (WAS) is a unique interactive educational program for high school students. Since WAS first accepted students in 1977, over 30,000 future world leaders have participated. Registration is now closed.

Be a Counselor!

College-aged students & other community leaders

World Affairs Seminar Staff Counselors and Nurses are highly valued and the backbone of the WAS seminar experience. Our staff counselors come from a variety of backgrounds including teachers, college students, past participants, and more. Applications now available!

Become a Sponsor!

Inspire a future leader

There are many ways to give to our program. Anybody can support WAS, including Rotary Clubs, other service organizations, schools, parents, and even grandparents. Your gift can go a long way to inspire your high school student Click the link below for our various sponsorship opportunities.

Interested in attending the 2023 World Affairs Seminar?

If you wish to attend, start by showing this information to your parents, a teacher, guidance counselor or principal. Let them know you are interested.

  • Cost is less than most sports or music camps.
  • Scholarships may be available through your local School District, Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist Clubs or other service organizations.
  • When asking for a scholarship, offer to make a presentation about your experiences.

At the 2023 seminar, you will:

  • Look at the timely and important topics of climate change from a variety of perspectives.
  • Work with delegates from around the world to define issues and problem areas within these topics.
  • Take field trips to see how both organizations and individuals are addressing issues of global climate change.
  • Discover what you can do to make your environment and the world a better place.
  • Explore how technology and new opportunities come together as the world adjusts to the problems of the present – and the needs of the future.
  • Study the impact of race, class, and gender on global climate change.

Why Should You Attend?

Prepare yourself for an adventure that will broaden your understanding of international happenings and change your perspective.  The World Affairs Seminar (WAS) brings you face to face with other students, experts, and leaders from the world over.  You will engage in stimulating discussion of world affairs. You’ll interact with experienced professionals—from government, business, and academia.  You will leave with strong bonds and lifelong friends.

Experience the diversity of global political, social and religious traditions. Share your ideas, make new friends, accept the challenge to find out more. Learn to explore and appreciate other points of view. Gain a better understanding of the world around you and where you fit in shaping the future.

At World Affairs Seminar, the goal is to open minds rather than advocate a specific viewpoint. While you are with us, we consider you a “delegate”. Your opinions count – and so do those of others.  It is up to you to decide what messages are credible and to evaluate  and understand of how different people think about global issues and why. You will discuss, add to and exchange ideas about issues.  You will formulate and express your thoughts, hear what others think, and find shared ground. Your leadership and negotiation skills will grow through training sessions and conversation with peers, presenters and counselors.

“WAS is one of the best experiences I have ever had. It connected me with so many people, and I made lifelong friends. I learned so much about our world, and how I could make a difference, even now. WAS helped me not only grow academically, but also as a person. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to attend.”

Karishma S.

WAS 2022, Wisconsin, USA

WAS 2023 Pricing & Fees

Discounts may apply (scroll down for details)

Seminar Discounts

  • Early Bird Discount: If fee is paid by March 17, 2023 (EXTENDED from February 28, 2023):
    • $50 discount per traditional/in-person delegate
  • Group Discount: Support of four (4) or more delegates get an additional discount per delegate
    • $50 discount per traditional/in-person delegate
  • Additional Scholarships & Discounts may apply. Contact the World Affairs Seminar office to inquire about details and availability.

All discounts & scholarships may be combined to increase savings. 

[REGISTRATION CLOSED]
DEADLINES FOR THE 2023 SEMINAR ARE:

  • EXTENDED Early Bird Registration Deadline is March 17, 2023 (originally February 28). Registration payment due to qualify for discount.
  • General Registration Deadline is May 19, 2023: All Payments and Registration Materials Due

The 2023 World Affairs Seminar will be hosted exclusively in-person at
Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

100 N. East Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186

For more information, visit:
www.carrollu.edu

Carroll University (Waukesha, Wisconsin)

Want to learn more?

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Rotary District 6270 with Rotary Wheel

A Rotary District 6270 Initiative

World Affairs Seminar
10600 W. Mitchell Street
West Allis, Wisconsin 53214
414-453-4984

Privacy Policy:

The World Affairs Seminar does not share or sell personal information about students or sponsors with any other organization except as authorized by signed release. This includes personal, health, financial, or other information. Information you post on public websites and other accessible media is your responsibility.

Refund Policy:

To receive credit after payment has been made, students, sponsors must notify the World Affairs Seminar in writing that their delegate is unable to attend, or if the sponsor is unable to fill a paid for space at the Seminar. (e-mail is considered "in writing" for these purposes as long as the e-mail is acknowledged as having been received.) Full credit applies if notification is received by April 1; 50% credit if application is cancelled between April 1 but prior to May 21; no credit is available if application is cancelled after May 21, unless extraordinary circumstances such as illness, death exist. All cancellation credits are subject to $75.00 processing fee and must be used within one calendar year. Note: in agreeing to attend WAS, parents and students promise to reimburse their sponsor for the full amount of any loss due to cancellation. WAS offices: (414) 453-4984, or contact@worldaffairsseminar.org.

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