Conference on World Affairs - Featured Sessions for IAFS Students
The Conference on World Affairs (CWA) returns to CU Boulder with an exciting lineup of discussions tackling today’s most pressing global issues. From democracy and nationalism to shifting geopolitical power and global development, these sessions offer students a unique opportunity to engage with experts, ask questions, and explore international affairs in real time.
Below are highlighted sessions organized by day. Be sure to plan ahead and attend the conversations that interest you most!
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
2:00PM - 3:10PM | Limelight Flatiron 1
What can the human race do to save ourselves from war, climate change, population decline and AI?
Speakers:Azadeh Khalili, Kevin Kuruc, Scott ShermanÌý
3:30PM - 4:40PM | Limelight Flatiron 2
An analysis of the processes enabling global democratic backsliding, modern authoritarianism and what can be done to stop it.
Speakers:John Heffernan, Joshua A. Levy, Srdja PopovicÌý
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
9:00AM - 10:10AM | Limelight Flatiron 1
How are countries protecting their national identity in an increasingly globalized world?
Speakers:Ernesto Araújo, Joe Cirincione, Natasha Lindstaedt, Marco Messina
9:00AM - 10:10AM | Limelight Flatiron 4
How is the the world of international business reshaping the African continent?
Speakers: Aboubakr JamaiÌýBerraoui, Azadeh Khalili, Luvuyo Rani, Lizzy Shackelford
11:15AM - 12:25PM | Limelight Flatiron 4
Examine who holds AI responsibility and how policy, institutions and public trust are evolving as the rules continue to take shape.
Speakers:Asher Jay, Sofia Romansky, Sheila Warren, Ling XinÌý
2:30PM - 3:40PM | Limelight Flatiron 4
How societies coming out of a period of violent conflict can recover and rebuild successful governments.
Speakers:Meghna Guhathakurta, Laura I Harder, John Heffernan, Luvuyo RaniÌý
4:00PM - 5:10PM | Limelight Flatiron 1
Examine how shifting global power dynamics affect security, economies and everyday life, and why it matters now more than ever.
Speakers: Ernesto Araújo, Paul Bierman, ´³Ã¡²Ô´Ç²õ ´Ü´Ç±ô³Ùá²Ô °ä²õá°ì, Ìý
Thursday, April 16, 2026
11:00AM - 12:10PM | Limelight Flatiron 4
Roundtable: When the government retreats and the community falters, can the nonprofit safety net catch us?
Speakers:Devon Gray, Dr. Kerry Magro, Alexa Mohsenzadeh, Luvuyo Rani, Lynn WarshafskyÌý
11:00AM - 12:10PM | Limelight Flatiron 1
Exploring the ways power politics are reshaping international interactions in the 21st century.
Speakers:Ìý´³Ã¡²Ô´Ç²õ ´Ü´Ç±ô³Ùá²Ô °ä²õá°ì, Lizzy Shackelford, Lorraine VolesÌý
2:45PM - 3:55PM | Boulder High School
This panel will address how international relations and alliances are being redefined in a time of rapid change and global conflict.
Speakers:ÌýAboubakr JamaiÌýBerraoui, Paul Bierman, Professor Patrick J. Deneen, Natasha Lindstaedt
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Many of the events this year will be held at the , located on the corner of Broadway and University Avenue.
