You’re invited to join Arizona Forward for the 2025 Statewide Sustainability Summit Climate Action Thrive in 2035, taking place Friday, October 10, 2025, at the SRP PERA Club, 1 E Continental Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281.
This half-day event will bring together leaders and changemakers from across Arizona to explore bold solutions for a more sustainable future. With the theme Creating Arizona’s Sustainable Tomorrow: Inspiring Change, Building Hope, the summit will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities focused on clean energy, climate resilience, and community action.
Summit Agenda
Sustainability often gets caught in the crossfire of politics and market debates. But beneath the noise, the data tells a different story — one of alignment, optimism, and opportunity. Consumers increasingly favor brands that communicate their sustainability commitments. Employees are drawn to companies that prioritize social and environmental responsibility. And business buyers? They’re not just looking for sustainable suppliers — they’re willing to pay more for them.
This panel will examine the evolving climate policy landscape and its implications for Arizona. Experts will provide updates, highlight opportunities for funding and innovation, and discuss proactive local and regional responses.
Moderator: Colin Tetreault, Managing Director, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, ASU
Amid economic constraints and rising energy demands, Arizona continues to push forward on its path to a cleaner energy future. This panel will highlight recent progress, funding models, and strategic decisions shaping a more sustainable energy landscape.
Moderator: Kelly Barr, Associate VP & Chief Alliance Officer, Global Futures Laboratory, ASU
As Arizona faces mounting pressures on its water resources, this panel will explore bold, forward-thinking strategies to enhance long-term water resilience through innovative technologies, policy solutions, and cross-sector partnerships.
Moderator: Rob Anderson, Natural Resources & Environmental Attorney, Fennemore
A candid conversation with sustainability leaders as they share challenges, uncertainties, and strategies for resilience while driving change amid shifting policies and pressures.
Moderator: Jake Swanson, Project Manager, ASU Global Futures Laboratory
Featuring USGBC’s TRUE Zero Waste framework, local scholarship initiatives, and the joint Arizona Forward & USGBC Construction & Demolition toolkit. This panel reinforces that there is no “trash” — only materials.
Moderator: Stephanie Barger, Director, Market Transformation & Development – TRUE , a zero waste program, U.S. Green Building Council
Mobilizing Change: Topics From Past Summits
2018
Reshaping the Rio Reimagine Project
2019
Statewide Sustainability Roadmap
2021
Climate Action For Arizona
2022
Clean Transportation for Arizona
2023
Ensuring A Clean Energy Future For Arizona
