Karen Burghart

Founded in 1979, the Colorado Springs World Affairs Council is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, educational organization. Our purpose is to help prepare this and the next generation to be more informed citizens of a global power and more effective participants in a global marketplace. The Council is a member of the World Affairs Councils of America (www.worldaffairscouncils.org), a national network of over 90 autonomous councils across the United States. Why does it matter to Pikes Peak Region? Our youth will be graduating into a world filled with increasing uncertainty and into a global economy that requires adept understanding of governmental and political structures and cultural differences. The Colorado Springs World Affairs Council offers secondary education programs that will leave the students energized and with a deeper understanding of their opportunities and responsibilities in the larger world. As globalization becomes more of a factor in not just the world economy but the LOCAL economy, it is more critical than ever that business owners understand the world issues that impact their everyday business decisions. From cultural issues that impact complex negotiations to political unrest that disrupts a supply chain, business owners can no longer ignore the realities of the larger world on their local businesses. The Colorado Springs World Affairs Councils hosts informative, engaging speaker programs featuring renowned and internationally known speakers on issues across the spectrum of global issues impacting business. Reading today’s headlines and social media feeds, the average citizen can feel horrified and confused at a world that looks to be falling apart at the seams. Behind the scenes, savvy and committed diplomats, military leaders and governmental representatives are building bridges to develop structures and systems to promote a stable and peaceful world.