The World Affairs Council of Wilmington was founded in 1967 to provide a forum to discuss international affairs. The Council has brought several hundred speakers to Wilmington including heads of state, ambassadors, senior level government officials, leading academics and senior executives who have influence in the international arena. Members of the World Affairs Council have had the opportunity to meet, hear, and question these distinguished guests personally in events typically unavailable to most citizens of other cities. The Council carries out its mission through public and private programs, and through joint programs with other international organizations and The University of Delaware. Private dinners are designed to promote openness by the speakers and include time to talk with the speakers individually. Public programs generally include a presentation and question and answer session with a large audience.