Join the WRRC 2025 Annual Conference: “Shared Borders, Shared Waters: Working together in Times of Scarcity” and explore transboundary solutions.
The WRRC 2025 Annual Conference, “Shared Borders, Shared Waters: Working together in Times of Scarcity,” is an event organized by the Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) and will take place on May 20–21, 2025, at the University of Arizona Student Union in Tucson, Arizona.
This year’s conference will explore the challenges and successes of transboundary collaboration, spanning shared waters between the U.S. and Mexico, cooperation with Sovereign Tribal Nations, and interstate boundaries.
Led by WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal, the conference will bring together water professionals, agencies, farmers, academics, students, environmentalists, and community leaders. In-person attendance is recommended, but a free livestream via Zoom will be available for those unable to attend.
Additionally, on May 20, Oregon State University’s Professor Aaron Wolf will lead a pre-conference workshop: “Better Listening to Help Transform Water Conflict”.
Spots for this workshop are limited and exclusive to conference registrants—register early!
Early bird tickets (purchased by March 28) are priced at $170 for both days,with the standard fee rising to $195 afterward.
Single-day registration and discounted student rates are also available. Register now to join this critical conversation.
Explore the tentative program
Draft agenda is subject to change.
Tuesday, May 20:
- Morning: Pre-conference workshop “Better Listening to Transform Water Conflicts,” with check-in, light refreshments, and workshop sessions.
- Afternoon: Conference kickoff featuring welcome remarks, a keynote on hydrodiplomacy, and a special dedication. Sessions on transboundary collaboration frameworks, Colorado River allocation, and shared water governance. Day 1 concludes with a special recognition and a reception at Cork & Craft.
Wednesday, May 21:
- Morning: Check-in and breakfast, followed by a keynote on binational infrastructure, investment, and collaboration. Sessions on water security and trade, funding challenges, and keynote presentations by Tribal leaders.
- Midday: Buffet lunch with a dialogue on the Arizona-Sonora border.
- Afternoon: Sessions on water sector partnerships, data and knowledge sharing, an update from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and a keynote panel on Colorado River negotiations. Conference closing remarks.
About The WRRC
The University of Arizona’s WRRC is a leading source of water resources expertise in the region, driving sustainable water management. Since 2020, it has been a partner organization of the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters.
