WRRC Director Joins Panel on Southern Arizona’s Global Future

WRRC Director Sharon B. Megdal participated as an invited panelist at The Global Future of Southern Arizona: Partnership, Trade & Growth Luncheon on August 18, 2026, in Tucson. Hosted by Global Ties Arizona and moderated by Nicole Barraza, Vice President of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, the event explored the partnerships, connections, and resources shaping the region’s future. 

Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized collaboration as a regional strength. Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, Director of Pima County Economic Development, highlighted the importance of strong relationships across sectors; Josh Rubin, Chairman of the Greater Nogales Santa Cruz County Port Authority, discussed the economic benefits of cross-border trade; and Daune Cardenas, Founder and CEO of the Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation, shared perspectives on Tribal investment and development. 

Dr. Megdal brought the water perspective to the conversation. She emphasized that effective water management requires engagement and education at all levels and depends on partnerships, open communication, and continued collaboration across communities and our shared borders with Mexico and Tribal Nations. She noted that there is international interest in engaging in dialogue about our region’s water management due to our location in the Colorado River Basin, dependence on groundwater, semi-arid setting, and long history of conservation and water awareness. The panel was part of a busy month of international engagement for Megdal, including sharing insights on global water governance at a hybrid international panel and participating in the upcoming Stockholm World Water Week, about which a future Reflections essay will report.