The World Today

Perry World House is a convening resource for the University of Pennsylvania across its twelve schools and dozens of globally-minded centers and institutes.  We catalyze conversations critical to some of the most formidable global problems the world faces today.  We connect students, faculty, and the broader Philadelphia community to leading thinkers, academics, and public policy practitioners around pressing global issues. 

As part of this mission, Perry World House hosts "The World Today," a weekly event on one of today’s most pressing global issues. Taking place every Tuesday, it is dedicated to a timely and intimate conversation on a global policy issue that changes each week. It is open to the entire Penn community, regardless of academic focus, and aims to be accessible and interesting to students who might not have the time to take classes on these topics but still want to deepen their understanding of the world. Members of the wider community are always welcome.

Featured experts include PWH visiting fellows and scholars, postdoctoral fellows, and staff members; Penn faculty members; and other guest speakers. This semester, we've had events on climate change, global pro-democracy movements, bioethics and global healthcare, and how the world can prepare for future disease pandemics.

COVID-19 Guidelines

Perry World House is continuing to follow the University of Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 guidelines. In-person access to our events is open to the Penn community as well as the general public. Our hybrid events are available to all virtually. In keeping with the University’s latest update on COVID-19 protocols, masks are optional for all visitors to Perry World House. The PennOpen Pass and the PennOpen Campus screenings are no longer required for entry to our events.

We will continue to provide virtual access to all events planned with hybrid programming. Zoom details will be available in your order confirmation email.

Please note that our current arrangements are subject to change as guidelines evolve, and other restrictions may be put in place. We will share an email ahead of each event with the latest information on how to take part. If you have any questions, please contact us at worldhouse@pwh.upenn.edu. If you are not already on our mailing list for news and updates, you can sign up here.