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2026 Conference on World Affairs Recap

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 CU Boulder.Ìý

As a proud co-sponsor of the 2026 Conference on World Affairs, the International Affairs Program (IAFS) was excited to help support one of CU Boulder’s most iconic traditions, an event that has connected students with global leaders, changemakers and new ideas since 1948.

Student Leadership at the Center

CWA Leaders walking down path of flags

IAFS students played a visible leadership role throughout this year’s 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’s 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.

Sandy Braken - second from left - former CU President and member of IAFS Advisory Board

Srdja Popovic, a globally recognized activist and longtime supporter of CU Boulder’s Peace, Conflict and Security (PACS) community, participated in multiple panels during the conference. Popovic has previously engaged with CU students through PACS workshops and classroom conversations, making his return to campus especially meaningful. He was featured on the widely viewed panel “Constitutional Crisis: The Presidency and the Rule of Law,†which became the most-watched panel of the conference.

Another notable connection was the presence of former CU 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 CU Boulder.

Srdja Popovic (2nd from right) - Constitutional Crisis: The Presidency and the Rule of Law (most watched panel)

By the Numbers: 2026 CWA Impact

This year’s 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 CU Boulder student attendees
  • 20,000+ livestream views,

These numbers reflect the continued importance of creating spaces where students can engage directly with today’s most urgent global conversations.

Looking Ahead

The Conference on World Affairs remains one of the most exciting opportunities for CU 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.