The foundations of the World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads were established by the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce in 1968.

Beginning in January 1969, the Chamber sponsored a World Affairs Program Series in order to measure interest in the formation of World Affairs Council. The program had a turnout of 150 people, representing most of Hampton Roads' cities, and these very people  elected a temporary executive committee and charged them with establishing World Affairs Council of Hamton Road. After a series of public sessions to provide a guideline for the programming and activities of the Council, a charter was submitted to the State Corporation Commission and was validated on May 8, 1969. Ever since, the World Affairs Council has enriched the Hampton Roads' civic and cultural conversations with global perspectives as well as it has connected the Hampton Roads community with the world. It has been, and continues to be, a hub for discourse and discussion on world affairs.

The Council believes in a strong community and student outreach program. Towards these ends, the Council sponsors and subsidizes student participation at all of its events. Through a series of side events, the Council creates constructive liaisons and networking exchanges between its distinguished visiting speakers and Hampton Roads organizations, businesses, and community leaders, for the further benefit of the communities of Hampton Roads.

• Promote understanding of global issues through education and public discussion
• Create opportunities for direct interaction with decision makers and foreign policy experts
• Foster citizen understanding of United State's engagement throughout the world
• Sustain a strong community and student outreach program