Arizona State University: Water Scarcity and Innovation – Lessons from the U.S. Southwest and Germany

Join us for a timely discussion on one of the most pressing challenges of our time: water scarcity and its evolving economic implications. This moderated panel will bring together leading voices from policy, academia, and industry to explore how water stress is not only reshaping economic risk, but also driving innovation, investment, and new market opportunities.

Speakers include:

• Peter Schlosser, Vice President and Vice Provost of Global Futures, Global Futures Laboratory – ASU
• Timothy Dunn, Arizona State Senator
• Clemens Helbach, Counselor for Environment, Climate & Urban Development, Embassy of Germany to the United States
• Christa McJunkin, Senior Director, Water Supply & System, Salt River Project (SRP)

Moderated by:

• Lily McElwee, President & CEO of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations

The discussion will highlight how regions facing acute water challenges are balancing sustainability with economic growth, how policy frameworks can unlock innovation and incentivize efficient resource use, and how technological advances in water management are creating new business models and investment opportunities.

The panel will also explore avenues for transatlantic collaboration in building resilient and future-oriented water systems. The panel will be followed by an audience Q&A.

Hosted by the German Embassy to the United States in Collaboration with the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory and the Bertelsmann Foundation, with thanks to the Honorary Consul of Germany in Phoenix, Carolin Gey.