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Conference on World Affairs

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 Conference on World Affairs

April 12–14, 2023

Big ideas.
Endless discoveries.
Celebrating 75 years. 

2023 Schedule of Events

Register Now

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Since 1948, CWA has inspired diverse dialogue about issues that matter. In 2023, the conference will extend the university’s focus on exploring the global climate crisis. Worldwide experts and our own faculty will offer challenging and hopeful discussions that examine a wide range of topics that impact our daily lives.

Choose from over 25 panels that explore the climate’s impact on urban planning, employment, food production and other aspects of daily life. Panelists will also consider how journalism and the arts affect public perception of a changing climate, can identify ways for humans to help, and much more. 

Join us for keynotes by environmental photographer James Balog, a CU Boulder alumnus known for his work documenting human effects on nature, and former Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario. Each will inspire fresh ideas and new perspectives. 

Students, faculty, staff and the public are welcome to attend CWA events at no charge thanks to the support of our generous donors. All sessions are in person and will be livestreamed and recorded for those who can’t attend.

 

 

 

2023 Schedule of Events

Register Now for Conference Updates & Livestream Links

CWA Conference Keynotes
 

3 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023

75th Annual Celebration and Conference Keynote Featuring James Balog

Macky Auditorium

As CWA turns 75, celebrate the occasion with music, historic videos and a keynote address by noted environmental photographer, videographer and CU Boulder alumnus James Balog. In keeping with the conference’s tradition of dynamic discussion and this year’s focus on climate change, Balog will talk about the planetary destruction he has recorded and how humans can play a role in restoring balance. 

Register Now to Reserve Your Seat & Receive Session Updates
 

5:30–6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13, 2023

The Center for Leadership’s Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series

Leadership in the Age of Climate Change

Macky Auditorium

Rose Marcario, former Patagonia CEO, will join Chancellor Philip DiStefano to discuss the global impact large corporations have on the planet. 

Register Now to Reserve Your Seat & Receive Session Updates

 

Conference Highlights

Drill down into some of the most dynamic areas of any discussion connected to the climate change crisis.
 

3–4:30 p.m. Friday, April 14

Enacting Climate Solutions Through Human RIghts Climate Commitments: RIght Here, RIght Now Boulder Impact Forum

UMC Center Ballroom

Panelists from the United Nations, U.S. government, state of Colorado, city of Boulder and CU Boulder will share an update on the drafting of the Right Here, Right Now Human Rights Climate Commitments. They were developed from the 2022 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit co-hosted by U.N. Human Rights and CU Boulder. Panelists will discuss U.N. sustainable development goals and calls to action for states, local governments, education, businesses and individuals.

9–10:10 a.m., intermission, 10:30–11:40 a.m. Friday, April 14

Colorado River Crisis: How Did We Get Here?
Colorado River Crisis: Where Do We Go From Here? 

UMC 235

The Colorado River provides drinking water for more than 40 million people, irrigates over 5 million acres of farmland and supports a $26 billion recreation and tourist economy. Demands on the river paired with increasing drought have put this waterway in crisis. CWA’s two-part session examines the waterway’s history, use, management and what can be done next. Panelists include Brad Udall, senior water and climate research scientist for the CSU Water Institute; Jim Lochhead, CEO/manager of Denver Water; and Paul Bruchez, a fifth-generation rancher and fishing guide on the Colorado River. Both panels are moderated by Carlos E. Fernandez, Colorado state director at the Nature Conservancy. 

10:30–11:40 a.m. Friday, April 14

Democracy in Hotter Times

UMC Center Ballroom

Panelists John Heffernan, David Orr and Kirk Siegler discuss threats to democracy in climate change.

2023 Student Fast Focus Tracks

Students, build on your CWA experience with sessions hand-picked for you.

Students: Expand Your CWA Experience

View our CWA Impact Giving levels and 2023 CWA Donor Benefits (which include special access and more).

Make your donation today to support CWA's return to in-person events and to help us make the 75th CWA an unforgettable experience for our audiences!

Donor Benefits & Ways To Give

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Continuing Education

The CU Boulder Division of Continuing Education is the official livestream sponsor of the 2021 Conference on World Affairs

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Conference on World Affairs

1344 Grandview Avenue
Boulder, CO 80309
465 UCB

cwa@colorado.edu
Office: (303) 492-2525
Fax: (303) 492-3934

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