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Leadership in Thought That Leads to Action

A global organization addressing humanity’s urgent challenges and emerging opportunities

560
Fellows

90
Countries

12
Programs

About The World Academy

WHO WE ARE

WAAS is an association of committed individuals drawn from diverse cultures, nationalities, occupations and intellectual pursuits conscious of the profound social consequences and policy implications of knowledge, and united by a common aspiration to address the urgent challenges and emerging opportunities confronting humanity. Today the Academy includes more than 560 elected Fellows from more than 90 nations collaborating with a global network of partner organizations founded on faith in the collective power of human aspiration and values.

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HOW WE THINK

The Academy strives to evolve solutions to the world’s pressing challenges by transcending the limits of national self-interest, disciplinary perspectives and conventional thinking while integrating knowledge with universal values and social responsibility. The inclusion of Art in the title of the Academy is intended to foster a marriage of the objective and subjective dimensions of knowledge essential for cracking the ‘genetic code’ of consciousness and social evolution. Great Art and Science are supreme expressions of humanity & creative imagination.

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Our Programs

Peace & Common Security

A comprehensive, integrated, value-based approach to individual, community, national and global security encompassing political, economic, social, ethical, technological and ecological dimensions. >> MORE

Social Transitions

This program examines the forces driving global instability, seeking to transform systemic disruption into conscious social evolution through human-centered leadership strategies. >> MORE

Human Security & HS4A

Universal well-being integrated with local empowerment and multisectoral action to redefine security beyond borders and ensure dignity for all. >> MORE

Future Education

Creative thinking integrated with lifelong learning and transdisciplinary unity to move beyond rote study and prepare students for a complex world. >> MORE

Global Governance

This project addresses the global governance gap by advocating for democratic, rule-based systems. It seeks to align international institutions with the needs of a peaceful world. >> MORE

Existential Risks & Sustainable Development

Global survival integrated with sustainable action and integrated governance to address systemic threats and ensure a resilient future for humanity. >> MORE

Economy & Finance

This program redefines finance to serve societal progress. By prioritizing equitable growth over speculative gain, it fosters a more stable, inclusive, and sustainable global economy. >> MORE

Integral Knowledge

Unified understanding integrated with transdisciplinary research and subjective truths to bridge fragmented disciplines and guide more effective global action. >> MORE

Technology as Force for Good

Ethical values integrated with technological progress, social equity, and digital rights to ensure that global innovation serves as a primary catalyst for collective human prosperity. >> MORE

Science & Sustainability

Transdisciplinary science integrated with policy making, implementation, human rights and social responsibility. >> MORE

Human Rights, Ethics & Values

Universal values integrated with ethical governance and legal frameworks to protect fundamental rights and foster a global culture of equity and peace for all. >> MORE

Arts, Culture, Humanities & Sustainable Development

Creative expression integrated with cultural heritage and human values to inspire social cohesion, sustainable development and a more inclusive global community. >> MORE

Featured Projects

Global Turbulence
Exploring events related to the rising levels of global turbulence, highlighting the underlying factors and generating solutions.

The Global Peace Offensive
A proactive, dialogue-driven peace-building approach within civil society, spearheaded by the academic community. 

Trauma Informed Care 
Developing a trauma-informed, online chabot designed to provide reliable, scientifically grounded answers.

Upcoming Events

PLANETARY ARTS WEBINAR: Art as a Catalyst for Human Security and Planetary Peace

Online Webinar / 30 April, 2026. As global threats, conflict, and social fragmentation increase, traditional security and peace-building methods show clear limitations. This webinar will examine how artistic expression can transform approaches to human security and planetary peace. Art bridges emotional and ethical gaps often missed by conventional frameworks, offering new ways to build resilient communities and foster global empathy.

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Recent Events

Existential Risk Governance in Turbulent Times

Online Webinar / 23 March, 2026. The international landscape is fracturing under the weight of geoeconomic confrontation and the erosion of global norms. As unilateralism replaces diplomacy, the stability of our rules-based order hangs in the balance. In this webinar, we examine the shifting tides of geopolitical decision-making.

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Its About People 2026

Hybrid / March 13-18. Answering Current Challenges in Society, Health and Technology. The 14thAnnual Conference of Europe’s Sciences and Arts Leaders and Scholars in Maribor, Slovenia, forms part of the WAAS Global Peace Offensive project

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XIII Global Baku Forum

Baku / 15 March, 2026. The World Academy of Art and Science hosted a side event at GBF2026 that focused on the development of solutions under three interdependent themes: Peace, Prosperity and Freedom & Human Security. The event is a continuation of the 2025 Baku side event that explored the sources of global turbulence. We will seek to develop solutions to the issues identified last year.

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News & Updates

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From the Archives

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Featured Videos​

A Conversation with Charles Oppenheimer

How AI Can Close the $3 Trillion Education Gap

Global Turbulence: Sources and Solutions