Conferences

Explore 150th anniversary panels and events at the Conference on World Affairs

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:36:55 +0000

Explore 150th anniversary panels and events at the Conference on World Affairs Megan M Rogers Thu, 04/09/2026 - 10:36

The Conference on World Affairs (CWA) will mark more than the start of its 78th year, it will officially kick off С�� Boulder’s 150th anniversary celebration. The university invites students, faculty, staff and the broader community to reflect on the university’s history, examine its present impact and imagine the next big ideas that will shape the future.

As the opening chapter of this yearlong celebration, CWA 2026 features special anniversary programming that connects С�� Boulder’s past to the challenges and opportunities of today—from higher education’s role in democracy to the future of aerospace. On April 14, a special panel will feature several previous presidents and chancellors as they discuss how leadership has changed across the eras.

Free and open to all, CWA’s kickoff of the 150th anniversary underscores С�� Boulder’s long-standing commitment to inclusive dialogue, civic engagement and ideas that matter, locally and globally.

Since 1948, CWA has brought global leaders, innovators and community members to campus for timely, thought‑provoking conversations. This year’s conference sets the stage for a milestone year of reflection, dialogue and forward-looking ideas. Explore 150th anniversary-centered panels below.

Join the celebration at CWA | April 13–16

С�� Boulder's official 150th celebration kicks off at the Conference on World Affairs. Since 1948, CWA has brought together global leaders, innovators and experts to spark timely, thought-provoking conversations on the issues shaping our world.

150th anniversary panels and events

Monday, April 13

The University of Colorado’s Forgotten Land-grant Origins and the Future of Public Impact

9–10:10 a.m. UMC 235
Explore our land grant origins, the transformative role of extension service, and what they teach us about the future of our public mission.

Higher Education and Democracy: Past, Present and Future

1–2:10 p.m. Limelight Flatiron 2
How universities—and С�� Boulder—sustain democracy, from civic engagement and free inquiry to the challenges facing higher education today.

Tuesday, April 14

From the Flatirons to the Final Frontier: Past, Present, and Future of Aerospace at С�� Boulder

12:30–1:40 p.m. Location coming soon
Trace С�� Boulder's role in space exploration and celebrate the people who turned curiosity into discovery—and shaped our understanding of the cosmos.

Generations of CWA: How One Professor’s Big Idea Became a Boulder Tradition

12:30–1:40 p.m. Limelight Flatiron 3
Howard Higman’s original vision shaped generations and helped CWA grow into one of С�� Boulder’s most enduring and influential traditions.

Chancellors and Presidents—Leadership Across Eras

3:30–4:40 p.m. Limelight Flatiron 1
Former С�� chancellors and presidents reflect on the moments that shaped their leadership—and the university. The panel will feature Chancellor Mary Frances Berry, President Alexander "Sandy" Bracken, President George Hanks "Hank" Brown, President Elizabeth “Betsy” Hoffman, President Mark Kennedy and Chancellor Phil DiStefano.

The America of Folk Music

6–10 p.m. eTown Hall
As the nation, state and campus mark their 250th and 150th anniversaries this year, this event invites reflection on American culture and identity, explored through the lens of folk music.

Wednesday, April 15

From Cadet Corps to Space Force: С�� Boulder’s Military Legacy

9–10:10 a.m. Limelight Flatiron 2
From cadet training to connections with the U.S. Space Force, С�� Boulder's military legacy has influenced campus life and generations of Buffs who have served.

Shaping a Sustainable World: How Buffs Have Enabled Global Impact

4–5:10 p.m. Limelight Flatiron 4
Buffs have built a strong foundation for a more sustainable future and continue to drive global impact and lead what comes next.

As the opening chapter of the 150th celebration, CWA will feature special programming that connects С��'s past to the challenges and opportunities of today—from higher education's role in democracy to the future of aerospace and more. Also, don't miss the "leadership across eras" panel with multiple former С�� presidents and chancellors.

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Get ready for CWA week April 13–17

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:16:55 +0000

Get ready for CWA week April 13–17 Megan M Rogers Thu, 04/09/2026 - 10:16

Buff Bulletin Board

Volunteer with Conference on World Affairs

Continuing Education expanding access to CWA through livestream partnership

International Affairs Program sponsoring Conference on World Affairs

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the 78th Conference on World Affairs.

Since 1948, CWA has convened global leaders, innovators, and experts for timely, thought-provoking conversations on the issues shaping our world. Free and open to all, this year’s conference invites you to join us in person at С�� Boulder or from anywhere via livestream—offering a unique opportunity to connect, engage, and be inspired.

Register and build your personalized schedule today.

Don't miss your chance to be part of the 78th Conference on World Affairs. Register and build your personalized schedule today.

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Conference on World Affairs, С��'s 150th anniversary kickoff 10 days away

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:54:59 +0000

Conference on World Affairs, С��'s 150th anniversary kickoff 10 days away Megan M Rogers Thu, 04/02/2026 - 08:54

Join the celebration at the 78th annual Conference on World Affairs April 13–16. С�� Boulder's official 150th celebration kicks off then. Since 1948, CWA has brought together global leaders, innovators and experts to spark timely, thought-provoking conversations on the issues shaping our world.

Join the celebration at CWA April 13–16. С�� Boulder's official 150th celebration kicks off then. Since 1948, CWA has brought together global leaders, innovators and experts to spark timely, thought-provoking conversations on the issues shaping our world.

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Get involved with the Conference on World Affairs

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:44:51 +0000

Get involved with the Conference on World Affairs Megan M Rogers Tue, 03/31/2026 - 11:44

The Conference on World Affairs (CWA) is powered by an incredible community of volunteers, collaborators and supporters—and you're invited to be part of it. There are meaningful ways to get involved both in the months leading up to the conference and during the week of CWA, April 13–16, 2026.

Whether you’re interested in helping shape programming, supporting speakers and attendees, assisting with logistics, or being an on-the-ground ambassador during the conference, there’s a role for a wide range of interests and availability. Your involvement helps make CWA welcoming, engaging and impactful for thousands of participants from around the world.

Curious where you might fit in? Learn more about opportunities and sign up.

In the weeks and days leading up to the conference, CWA is powered by a community of volunteers, collaborators and supporters. Be part of this magnificent event.

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John Bolton and Susan Rice to debate America's superpower future at С�� Boulder

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:31:09 +0000

John Bolton and Susan Rice to debate America's superpower future at С�� Boulder Megan M Rogers Mon, 03/30/2026 - 08:31

As global tensions rise and questions about America’s role in the world intensify, two former U.S. national security advisers will face off at С�� Boulder on April 13 in a high-profile debate kicking off the university’s 78th Conference on World Affairs (CWA).

The debate, hosted in partnership with the Steamboat Institute and С�� Boulder’s Bruce D. Benson Center for the Study of Western Civilization, will explore the resolution: “The United States is in the process of committing superpower suicide.”

Former U.S. national security advisers John Bolton and Susan Rice

Who’s debating:

John Bolton—former U.S. national security adviser (2018–19), U.S. ambassador to the United Nations (2005–06) and author of "The Room Where It Happened"
Susan Rice—former U.S. national security adviser (2013–17), U.S. ambassador to the United Nations (2009–13) and domestic policy adviser (2021–23)

The discussion will be moderated by Carine Hajjar, opinion journalist and editorial board member at The Washington Post and Steamboat Institute Fellow for Public Policy and American Exceptionalism.

“When the world feels divided and the issues before us are complex, universities have a responsibility to lead with openness and dialogue,” said С�� Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “Our campus is committed to being a space where difficult conversations can happen thoughtfully and respectfully.”

The debate is part of the Steamboat Institute’s Campus Liberty Tour, which since 2018 has brought ideologically diverse discussions to universities nationwide. The tour focuses on strengthening critical thinking and encouraging civil discourse at a time of deep political polarization.

“Our goal is to teach students—and all who attend—how to think, not what to think,” said Steamboat Institute co-founder and CEO Jennifer Schubert-Akin. “Civil, fact-based debate is essential to a functioning democratic republic, especially when national and international stakes are high.”

Audience members will have the opportunity to participate in pre- and post-debate polling and submit questions to the speakers using their mobile devices.

If you go

Who: Open to the public
What: Debate—“Is the United States in the process of committing superpower suicide?”
When: Monday, April 13; doors open 6 p.m., debate 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: University Memorial Center, Glenn Miller Ballroom
Tickets: Free; registration required

Two former U.S. national security advisers will face off April 13 in a high-profile debate on whether the United States is "committing superpower suicide" at the 78th Conference on World Affairs.

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Malala Yousafzai tickets sold out

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:45:00 +0000

Malala Yousafzai tickets sold out Megan M Rogers Thu, 03/26/2026 - 10:45

Editor's note: As of March 26, tickets to the Malala Yousafzai talk are sold out. This article was originally published on March 24.

In partnership with the Center for Leadership and the Center for Asian Studies, the Conference on World Affairs is excited to share that tickets for Malala Yousafzai are now available.

Reserve your tickets

Submit your questions by April 1

Yousafzai will be the closing speaker for the Conference on World Affairs 2026 on April 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Macky Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required to attend.

Important notes

Tickets for Yousafzai's talk are expected to sell out, so guests are encouraged to secure their tickets as soon as they become available at 10:45 a.m. Thursday, March 26.
Macky Auditorium uses EventBrite for ticketing, which is separate from the primary CWA registration system. You will need to register for the Yousafzai event using EventBrite.

For those who are unable to attend the closing event, the university regrets the limited capacity and encourages you to participate in the inspiring programming taking place throughout CWA week!

Tickets to see Malala Yousafzai at С�� Boulder's Conference on World Affairs are now sold out.

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Elected leaders to headline С�� Boulder Climate Week event April 1

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:40:40 +0000

Elected leaders to headline С�� Boulder Climate Week event April 1 Megan M Rogers Tue, 03/24/2026 - 08:40

Colorado Climate Week is an event that convenes communities across the state and beyond to unite and elevate Colorado as a regional hub for climate innovation and resilience. This year, Climate Week will take place from March 30 to April 3. In partnership with event organizer Colorado Cleantech Industries Association, С�� Boulder will host the event on Wednesday, April 1, at the Limelight Hotel.

While most of the week’s programming will be held at the CSU Spur Campus and other locations across the region, Wednesday’s panels, presentations and discussions will take place at the Limelight Hotel Boulder. Speakers from across С�� Boulder will participate, including Chancellor Justin Schwartz, who will deliver opening remarks.

Other notable speakers include Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and Sen. Michael Bennet, who will speak to their visions of Colorado’s climate future, as well as Gov. Jared Polis, bestselling author and Foundry founder Seth Levine and many more.

The event is free and open to the public, and students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend. Register here.

Now in its second year, Colorado Climate Week highlights Colorado’s collaborative culture and commitment to innovative climate solutions. The event aims to showcase and accelerate the state’s potential for climate impact.

This vision aligns closely with sustainability efforts at С�� Boulder, where researchers collaborate across disciplines to develop climate solutions, educate the next generation of climate leaders, use campus as a living laboratory, and partner with organizations across the state to drive climate action.

“This event reflects С�� Boulder’s deep commitment to advancing climate solutions through collaboration,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability. “One of our core sustainability priorities is community engagement—working alongside peers across the Boulder community, the state of Colorado, the nation and around the world to develop and scale innovative climate solutions.”

“Colorado Climate Week highlights the opportunity of connecting university expertise with leaders and policymakers across Colorado,” said Kirsten Schuchman, associate vice chancellor for external partnerships. “By strengthening partnerships at the local and state level, we can help translate innovative ideas into policies and actions that benefit communities throughout Colorado.”

For more information about registration, the day’s schedule and featured speakers, view the full agenda.

Colorado Climate Week with С�� at Limelight | April 1, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

8:30–9 a.m.
The Buff Blueprint: С�� Boulder’s Next Chapter in Climate Leadership
Chancellor Justin Schwartz, С�� Boulder

9–9:30 a.m.
Fireside Chat: Capital Evolution—What the Future of Capitalism Means for Climate
Seth Levine, Partner and Co-Founder, Foundry
Moderator: Wendy Lea, Board Director, Ecosystem Builder

9:30–10:15 a.m.
Plenary 1 Panel: AI at Scale: Energy, Water, and the Infrastructure of Intelligence
Moderator: John Goldman, Partner at Cooley LLC
Will Toor, Executive Director, Colorado Energy Office
Kyri Baker, Associate Professor at С�� Boulder and Research Scientist at Google DeepMind
Lon Huber, Senior Vice President, Chief Planning Officer, XCEL Energy

10:30–11:30 a.m.
Breakout I: AI at Scale -Clean Inputs, Transformative Outputs and Community Impact

Noon–1 p.m.
Lunch Session: Conservation, Climate and the Colorado Outdoors (lunch provided)
Moderator: Megha Agrawal Sood, Board Director, Mountainfilm Festival
Erin Sprague, CEO, Protect Our Winters
Drew Rayburn, Colorado Director of Conservation Science, The Nature Conservancy
Noah Molotch, "Professor of Snow," С�� Boulder
Natalie Ooi, Professor, Outdoor Recreation Economy, С�� Boulder

1:15–2 p.m.
Plenary 2 Panel: From Pledges to Performance: The New Era of Climate Leadership
Moderator: Kathryn Wendell, Exec Director, Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility, С�� Boulder
Kendra Tupper, PE, Head of Carbon Reduction Planning & Strategy, Google
Deanna Bratter, Chief Sustainability Officer, Crocs, Inc.
Eli Gordon, Head of Sustainability Advisory – North America, Watershed

2:15–3 p.m.
Breakout Session II

3:15–4 p.m.
Plenary 3: Risk, Reward, and Impact: Climate Investment Playbooks
Moderator: Trent Yang, CFO, Energy Dome
Kristen Rocca, Partner at DCVC
Danya Hakeem, COO, Elemental Impact
Maggie Rodney, Partner, Massive

4–5 p.m.
Plenary 4: Colorado’s Climate Policy Agenda: A Fireside Chat with Democratic Candidates Attorney General Phil Weiser and Senator Michael Bennet

4–5 p.m.
Concurrent Breakout Session: 1000 Gretas—Intergenerational Fairness

4–5 p.m.
Concurrent Session: Boulder Climate Ventures student pitches

5–6 p.m.
Networking Reception

Gov. Jared Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser and Sen. Michael Bennet will join С�� Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz and speakers from across campus for a day of climate-focused panels and discussions.

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Register for the 33rd annual Campus Sustainability Summit

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:29:19 +0000

Students, faculty and staff are invited to the Campus Sustainability Summit on April 15 in the UMC. Explore how sustainability connects to your interests, build connections and discover ways to get involved and take action.

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Planners rejoice! Conference on World Affairs schedule, registration live

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:36:42 +0000

Planners rejoice! Conference on World Affairs schedule, registration live Megan M Rogers Fri, 03/13/2026 - 06:36

Browse the sessions, select your panels and build your CWA week, happening April 13–16 at the Limelight Hotel.

Come ready for incredible speakers and timely conversations exploring the issues shaping our world today. From global perspectives to personal stories, CWA 2026 will bring together bold ideas and meaningful dialogue you won’t want to miss.

Now’s your chance to explore this year’s lineup and build your schedule.

Registration and the full schedule for the Conference on World Affairs 2026 are now live. Browse sessions and start building your personalized CWA week—April 13–16 at the Limelight Hotel.

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Explore 'Quantum & Space: The Next Frontier' at symposium March 23–24

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:25:20 +0000

Explore 'Quantum & Space: The Next Frontier' at symposium March 23–24 Megan M Rogers Fri, 02/27/2026 - 13:25

Want to take a deep dive into the convergence of quantum technologies and space applications? Faculty, staff, students and the general public are welcome to attend this dynamic event, which will feature some of the top experts in their fields. The symposium is free, but registration is required.

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Conferences

Explore 150th anniversary panels and events at the Conference on World Affairs

The University of Colorado’s Forgotten Land-grant Origins and the Future of Public Impact

Higher Education and Democracy: Past, Present and Future

From the Flatirons to the Final Frontier: Past, Present, and Future of Aerospace at С�� Boulder

Generations of CWA: How One Professor’s Big Idea Became a Boulder Tradition

Chancellors and Presidents—Leadership Across Eras

The America of Folk Music

From Cadet Corps to Space Force: С�� Boulder’s Military Legacy

Shaping a Sustainable World: How Buffs Have Enabled Global Impact

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Conferences

Explore 150th anniversary panels and events at the Conference on World Affairs

The University of Colorado’s Forgotten Land-grant Origins and the Future of Public Impact

Higher Education and Democracy: Past, Present and Future

From the Flatirons to the Final Frontier: Past, Present, and Future of Aerospace at С���� Boulder

Generations of CWA: How One Professor’s Big Idea Became a Boulder Tradition

Chancellors and Presidents—Leadership Across Eras

The America of Folk Music

From Cadet Corps to Space Force: С���� Boulder’s Military Legacy

Shaping a Sustainable World: How Buffs Have Enabled Global Impact

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Get ready for CWA week April 13–17

Related Articles

Conference on World Affairs, С����'s 150th anniversary kickoff 10 days away

Related Articles

Get involved with the Conference on World Affairs

Related Articles

John Bolton and Susan Rice to debate America's superpower future at С���� Boulder

Related Articles

Malala Yousafzai tickets sold out

Important notes

Related Articles

Elected leaders to headline С���� Boulder Climate Week event April 1

Related Articles

Register for the 33rd annual Campus Sustainability Summit

Related Articles

Planners rejoice! Conference on World Affairs schedule, registration live

Related Articles

Explore 'Quantum & Space: The Next Frontier' at symposium March 23–24

Related Articles

From the Flatirons to the Final Frontier: Past, Present, and Future of Aerospace at С�� Boulder

From Cadet Corps to Space Force: С�� Boulder’s Military Legacy

Conference on World Affairs, С��'s 150th anniversary kickoff 10 days away

John Bolton and Susan Rice to debate America's superpower future at С�� Boulder

Elected leaders to headline С�� Boulder Climate Week event April 1