The International State of the State (ISOS), a signature program of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, brings together leaders from government, business, and diplomacy to explore Arizona’s global role. The program includes a keynote from the sitting Governor and the ISOS Summit, featuring panels and networking with diplomats and industry experts. Together, these events showcase Arizona’s international impact and strengthen connections that drive cross-border collaboration.
Summit Sponsor
2026 Summit
Afternoon Panels
Panel 1: Arizona's Water Landscape
This panel delved into Arizona’s water reality. The conversation explored the pressures of expanding energy needs and water-intensive industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, as well as what Arizona’s policy choices mean for economic competitiveness, regional cooperation, and the state’s long-term resilience.
Panel 2: Space Exploration and Competition
As space becomes a more crowded and contested arena, this panel examined the evolving landscape of space exploration, commercialization, and competition. The conversation explored how space is reshaping economic opportunity, national security, and international collaboration -- and what these dynamics mean for U.S. leadership in a rapidly changing global domain.
Panel 3: Arizona's Role in Global Sports
This panel looked at how sports function as a powerful platform for global influence, diplomacy, and cross-border engagement. With Arizona emerging as a hub for major sporting events, investment, and international partnerships, the conversation examined how sports shape soft power, global branding, and international connection.
2026 Keynote
Reception & Dinner
With Governor Katie Hobbs
Attendees enjoyed a keynote address on the International State of the State over dinner with Arizona’s industry, community, and policy leaders. Sponsors joined Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and over 50 visiting international diplomats for an intimate VIP reception.
About ISOS
What is the International State of the State?
As the state’s global commercial integration grows, it is ever more important for policymakers and commercial decision-makers to understand the global political and economic factors that impact this integration.
Each year, the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations provides the Metro Phoenix area with a valuable public platform to discuss the international state of OUR state.
This signature program is Arizona’s most global event annually, regularly bringing together 50+ international dignitaries and esteemed business, community, and political leaders in the state for focused discussion and exchange on Arizona’s role as a global player and partner.
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