About CWA
Conference on World Affairs
April 12–14, 2023
Big ideas.
Endless discoveries.
Celebrating 75 years.
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.
Bringing the World to Boulder
Each April, a hundred fascinating luminaries from the widest range of backgrounds gather in Boulder for what The New York Times
calls "a week-long extravaganza of discussion and debate". The CWA is made up of vast network of engaged, committed volunteers.
Many of the presenters would normally command large appearance fees, but all who appear at the CWA waive honoraria and pay
their own way to engage with our community and fellow participants. University faculty, staff and students work alongside local community
members to plan and host the week's events, as well as the participants' transportation, housing and social functions.
Open to the Public, Without Charge
All events are open to the public, without charge—and attended by students, faculty, staff, alumni, townsfolk, journalists and visitors
from around the nation. Audiences at the individual sessions range in size from an intimate 100 to well over 1,000.
Student Priority
Students serving as volunteers on the CWA program committee are engaged in every facet of planning and executing conference week.
Lasting friendships, valuable contacts and unique experiences are formed at during the event. Graduating student volunteers typically cite
the CWA as the most satisfying and meaningful experience of their college careers.