The World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads is a registered (section 501c3) non-profit, non-partisan educational organization whose mission is to promote a greater understanding and interest in matters of international relations, foreign policy, and diplomacy. Its goals are to inform and educate the Hampton Roads community based on the belief that a well-informed public is essential to the conduct of foreign policy in a democracy. 

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.