54th Annual World Affairs Institute for Youth Changemakers
February 25, 2025 @ 8:00AM — 3:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
Jared L. Cohon University Center @ Carnegie Mellon University: 5032 Forbes Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Get Directions
Join us on February 25 to explore how we can leverage our region’s rich history to become a global city.
Designed by youth for youth, the World Affairs Institute for Youth Changemakers engages students in discussion of key issues in international affairs so that they can understand and think critically about their world.
The Pittsburgh region is at a crossroads, and which stories we lean into–and the actions we take to shape both the understanding of who we are and an appreciation of what we have to offer on a global stage–will make an undeniable difference in what our region’s future looks like.
Through interactive sessions and workshops, we’ll examine issues of global importance and local relevance to better understand our role in the global economy and an interconnected, changing world.
What’s our region’s brand, and what’s the role of arts and culture? What are our competitive economic advantages, and how do we attract and retain a diverse workforce? How do we mitigate our climate impacts and work to become a more climate resilient city? Together, we’ll grapple with questions of our potential future as an aspiring global city that boasts a strong economy, welcoming communities, vibrant culture, and prosperity for all.
Important Note: Educators and Rotary chaperones should register on this page along with their students. However, during the day, they will attend the Changemakers Across Sectors track.
Tentative Institute Agenda
8:00AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9:00AM: Welcome & Morning Plenary
10:30AM: Break
10:45AM: Morning Breakout Session
11:30AM: Lunch
12:15PM: Afternoon Breakout Sessions
2:30PM: Closing
3:00PM: Departure
Day-Of Information
Parking: The World Affairs Institute will be held at the Carnegie Mellon University's Cohon Student Center located at 5032 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. Click here to find a visitor parking information.
Dress Code: We invite you to show up in your favorite conference wear — you decide what that means for you. We want you to feel comfortable and ready to dig into the important work of building a globally minded, globally connected Pittsburgh.
Check In: When you arrive, please check in at the registration table in front of the Rangos Ballroom. There, our team will greet you and point you in the right direction.
Scholarships & Cost
The fee of $75 for each student and chaperone covers the cost of all conference sessions, a light breakfast and lunch, and Institute lead-up activities and resources.
Registration is open for Rotary-sponsored and school-sponsored groups. Rotary Clubs sponsor their local students and educator chaperones. Interested in having your school attend the Institute but unsure if scholarships are available? Contact your local Rotary Club, Interact Club, or school district:
- Rotary District 7305 (Southwestern PA)
- Rotary District 7280 (Northwestern PA)
- Rotary District 6650 (Eastern Ohio)
Important Information Regarding the Checkout Process:
- When asked if you are representing an Individual or Organization, click "Organization" and enter the details for your Rotary Club or High School.
- Please share personal email addresses for all sponsored participants to ensure that important registration information and event updates are not blocked by school email account settings.
Follow the Instructions Below to Pay by Check:
- Indicate the number of students and chaperones you are sponsoring, and then click "Sponsor".
- On the next page, click "Enter Promo Code" and enter code "CHECK". This will bring the balance due to $0.
- Complete the check-out process, entering student and chaperone information.
- Mail a check to WACP office (2640 BNY Mellon Center, 500 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219) with their Rotary Club Name and WAI54 in the memo.
If you would like to help make this event accessible to other students in the region without a Rotary sponsor, please click "Donate" or donate any amount during the checkout process to contribute to the Council's scholarship fund.
Inclement Weather Policy:
Winter weather in Pittsburgh can change rapidly. Given the time and date of this event, we adhere to our Inclement Weather Policy for this ticketed event.
In the event of inclement weather, we may shift to a virtual event with the same date and times and will notify attendees at least 48 hours in advance via their registration email and on social media.
While we will make all efforts to intentionally gather together in person to explore Becoming a Global City: Pittsburgh’s Place in the World, we are committed to providing a meaningful virtual experience should weather conditions in our region prevent gathering together in person safely.
Please plan ahead so that you are prepared to engage with us on February 25. This includes school groups who may need to plan around school delays or cancellations.
Please note that refunds will not be issued if our Inclement Weather Policy is enacted.
For any questions, you can reach our team at communications@worldpittsburgh.org.
We are grateful to Rotary International for their partnership on this event.
