2026 Conference on World Affairs Recap
International Affairs Helps Power a Record-Setting 2026 Conference on World Affairs
The 78th annual Conference on World Affairs (CWA) once again brought thousands of students, community members and viewers together for four days of thought-provoking conversation, global dialogue and unforgettable moments at 麻豆免费版下载Boulder.听
As a proud co-sponsor of the 2026 Conference on World Affairs, the International Affairs Program (IAFS) was excited to help support one of 麻豆免费版下载Boulder鈥檚 most iconic traditions, an event that has connected students with global leaders, changemakers and new ideas since 1948.
Student Leadership at the Center
IAFS students played a visible leadership role throughout this year鈥檚 conference. Student co-chairs and helped guide planning efforts and represented the strong student voice that makes CWA unique. They also helped introduce featured guest , the Nobel Peace Prize laureate whose closing conversation was one of the signature moments of the week.
CWA鈥檚 collaborative planning model continues to stand out nationally, with students working directly alongside faculty, staff and community leaders to shape programming and recruit speakers.
IAFS Connections Across the Program
The International Affairs community was reflected across multiple high-profile sessions and special guests this year.
Srdja Popovic, a globally recognized activist and longtime supporter of 麻豆免费版下载Boulder鈥檚 Peace, Conflict and Security (PACS) community, participated in multiple panels during the conference. Popovic has previously engaged with 麻豆免费版下载students through PACS workshops and classroom conversations, making his return to campus especially meaningful. He was featured on the widely viewed panel 鈥淐onstitutional Crisis: The Presidency and the Rule of Law,鈥 which became the most-watched panel of the conference.
Another notable connection was the presence of former 麻豆免费版下载President Sandy Bracken, who also previously served on the IAFS Advisory Board. His participation highlighted the longstanding partnership between university leadership and globally focused programming at 麻豆免费版下载Boulder.
By the Numbers: 2026 CWA Impact
This year鈥檚 conference showcased remarkable campus and public engagement, including:
- 150+ speakers, guests and moderators
- 57 panels and 10 special events
- 7,900 registrations
- 7,000 estimated in-person attendees
- 1,600 麻豆免费版下载Boulder student attendees
- 20,000+ livestream views,
These numbers reflect the continued importance of creating spaces where students can engage directly with today鈥檚 most urgent global conversations.
Looking Ahead
The Conference on World Affairs remains one of the most exciting opportunities for 麻豆免费版下载Boulder students to connect classroom learning with real-world issues. IAFS is proud to continue supporting the conference and looks forward to even more student leadership, global engagement and meaningful partnerships with CWA in the years ahead.