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Welcome to the 55th St. Gallen Symposium. This year’s Opening Ceremony sets the stage for a vital cross-generational dialogue on «Disrupted Age». We find ourselves in a time where technological breakthroughs, geopolitical tensions, and societal transformations are reshaping the foundations of our world. Established systems are being challenged, while new paradigms are rapidly emerging. As disruption becomes the defining feature of our era, the question is no longer whether change will occur, but how we choose to respond to it. As we begin this dialogue, we extend our sincere gratitude to all of you for joining us. Over the coming days, we look forward to engaging in open and constructive discussions, bridging perspectives across generations, and exploring how disruption can become a catalyst for meaningful progress.

Liberal democracy is increasingly being challenged—from technologists, political theorists, and populist thinkers alike. In this Oxford-style debate, political theorist Ivan Krastev and blogger Curtis Yarvin confront a provocative question: is the future of the United States and liberal democracies one of renewal—or replacement? Yarvin argues that democracy is structurally ill-equipped to address today’s complex governance challenges and instead advocates for radically centralized models of governance—envisioning the state run more like a corporation, led by a “CEO-in-chief” with executive authority to act decisively and efficiently. Krastev counters that, despite current pressures, liberal democracies remain resilient due to their capacity for adaptation, self-correction, and pluralism—and should be renewed rather than replaced. By confronting opposing visions of governance, the discussion challenges core assumptions about legitimacy, sovereignty, and the political future of the West—leaving the audience to decide not only what system works, but what kind of system they are willing to defend.

Political polarization, rising inequality, and eroding trust in institutions are challenging both the effectiveness and legitimacy of democratic capitalism. As governments, markets, and citizens struggle to adapt, the challenge is no longer just how to achieve growth, but how to restore purpose, trust, and moral coherence in public life. How can economies balance innovation with social and ethical resilience? And what role should leadership, character, and values play in navigating the turbulence of a disrupted age? (work in progress)

Legacy media institutions are under mounting pressure: declining revenues, rising costs, fragmented audiences, and platforms that increasingly control attention, distribution, data — and monetisation. At the same time, a new digital ecosystem has emerged in which journalism, entertainment, social interaction, and commerce are no longer separate industries, but interconnected layers of powerful platforms.In this evolving landscape, content is not only information — it is also infrastructure for influence, engagement, and transaction. From creator economies to integrated shopping experiences and algorithm-driven discovery, the boundaries between media and marketplaces are rapidly dissolving. This session explores how traditional media organisations must reorder their business and operating models to remain relevant within this platform logic. What does it mean to compete in an environment where trust, attention, and commerce increasingly converge? And as platforms become both gatekeepers and economic ecosystems, what roles remain for independent journalism in the emerging attention economy?

The United States remains the world's most influential power — yet its capacity to act decisively is increasingly constrained. Polarisation, institutional gridlock, and shifting political incentives are reshaping how power is exercised in Washington. Taking stock of the state of American power requires examining governance structures, institutional balance, and political decision-making. Against the backdrop of the midterm elections, the key question is whether the U.S. system can still convert power into strategic direction — and what this implies for America's domestic agenda and its role on the global stage.

As traditional alliances fracture in the light of shifting global powers, the global humanitarian aid system is coming under strain. The United States is scaling back foreign assistance through cuts at USAID, while many governments are redirecting resources toward security and economic stability—even as humanitarian crises multiply. The result is a widening gap between rising needs and available support. Can private capital help close it? Recent collaboration between a philanthropic foundation and a frontline humanitarian organization in Sudan offers insight into both the potential and the limits of private engagement in crisis response. What can such partnerships realistically achieve—and how might philanthropy and business help sustain human dignity in a disrupted world?

Europe’s competitive edge is shrinking as growth slows and innovation stalls, with Germany’s automotive and traditional industries emblematic of a continent too focused on preserving past successes. While global rivals invest heavily in new technologies, Europe risks falling behind by trying to revive outdated models rather than embracing the next wave of industrial transformation. This session, which is co-hosted by HSG Alumni (the Alumni network of the University of St.Gallen), explores the structural roots of Europe’s decline, the consequences of nostalgia-driven policy, and the choices needed to regain momentum in a rapidly shifting technological landscape. (work in progress)

Global markets run through narrow passages. From the Strait of Hormuz to the Suez Canal, from key air corridors to major shipping routes, geopolitical chokepoints have become defining pressure points in an age of disruption. What once appeared to be mere infrastructure now shapes trade flows, logistics costs and corporate strategy across continents. As tensions rise and supply chains are redrawn, companies and governments are rethinking how resilience is built. Bringing together perspectives from business, shipping, aviation, law and economics, this session explores how geopolitical chokepoints are reshaping global markets and what leaders must do to navigate an increasingly fragile global system.

Time to recharge — intellectually and nutritionally. Grab lunch and continue the cross-generational exchange.

Trade barriers, geopolitical fragmentation, technological acceleration, and demographic change are redefining the conditions under which global companies operate. For organisations built on scale, stability, and longevity, the challenge is no longer incremental adaptation—but fundamental transformation. This one-on-one conversation with Philipp Navratil focuses on how a truly global Swiss company navigates what many describe as a “Disrupted Age.” The discussion will explore how Nestlé responds to economic and geopolitical uncertainty, manages shifting trade regimes, embraces technological change, and adapts to evolving expectations from both its workforce and consumers.

n a time when fresh ideas and bold visions are urgently needed, we begin with a conversation with former International Student’s Committee (ISC) member Philipp Navratil, reflecting on his journey within the ISC and his perspective on the role of young leaders today. This is followed by the Global Essay Competition Award Ceremony. Bringing together outstanding Master’s and PhD students from around the world, the competition invites the 100 most promising participants to St. Gallen. From this group, the top three finalists present their ideas on how to shape the future. The session concludes with an interactive Q&A, offering the opportunity to engage directly with the authors and explore their perspectives in greater depth, before celebrating the winning essay.

Heads of state and government increasingly look to historical figures of strong, often authoritarian leadership as points of reference, placing themselves more visibly at the center of political decision-making. The German philosopher and writer Peter Sloterdijk is one of the most influential thinkers in contemporary European thought. In his latest work, The Prince and His Heirs, he examines the figure of the modern “prince”: powerful leaders who personalize authority, deploy charisma strategically, and visibly embody political power. What does the return of such personalities reveal about the state of our societies? Are we entering a new phase of personalized power — and what responsibility rests with those who exercise it? (work in progress)

As societies across the world face aging populations and growing labour shortages, pressure on essential services is increasing. At the same time, advances in robotics are expanding what is possible, from supporting care environments to taking on physically demanding and hazardous tasks in sectors such as construction. The integration of robotics into these contexts raises complex technical, societal, and ethical questions, as organisations work to ensure safe and human-centric deployment. Bringing together entrepreneurial perspectives from different sectors, this session offers a grounded look at how robotics is already being applied in practice and how technology and human work can evolve together to address workforce gaps while improving safety and quality of life.

China is entering a pivotal phase as it recalibrates its growth model and doubles down on AI and advanced industries, while navigating mounting economic and geopolitical pressures, including challenges such as involution. At the same time, the evolution of its financial system and capital markets is becoming a critical lever in supporting this transformation and shaping broader global economic dynamics. As Beijing seeks to balance growth, stability, and an increasingly assertive global posture, the key question is not only how China will integrate AI and disruptive technologies into its ecosystems, but also how financial structures and capital allocation will underpin this shift. For Europe, this moment presents both risks and opportunities. If China is redefining the dynamics of competition and technology, how can the EU position itself to benefit rather than be sidelined?

In a disrupted age defined by climate urgency and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, a new challenge is emerging at the heart of the energy transition: aligning the growth of AI with planetary limits. As data centres expand and compute demand accelerates, AI is becoming one of the fastest-growing drivers of global energy consumption. This raises a critical question: can we scale intelligence without scaling emissions? This session brings together leaders from policy, industry, and innovation to explore whether rising AI-driven energy demand can be met in ways that are both efficient and sustainable. Which technologies - from low-carbon energy systems to more efficient hardware and software - can reduce the energy footprint of AI? And where are current approaches falling short?

(Session held in German & English) Have you ever found yourself in a live recording with two of Europe’s sharpest minds debating the future of liberal democracy? No? Here’s your chance. Join a special edition of a live recording of Sternstunde Philosophie featuring Ivan Krastev and Wolfram Eilenberger, as they take on the big questions shaping liberal democracies today – and where they might be headed next. The conversation will move between German and English, so a working understanding of both will definitely help you keep up. One more thing: this isn’t just a session – it’s a live video recording. By attending, you’ll be part of the audience on screen.

Most people walk past them without stopping. A Miró. A Calder. A Giacometti. Some of the most significant works of the 20th century, quietly living on the HSG campus. Take a short break from the program and join a small group for a guided art walk across the University of St.Gallen campus. Together with proArte, the HSG student initiative connecting art and business, we take a slow walk across campus - as each piece invites us to pause, look closely, and reflect on the disrupted age we have all been discussing. No art background needed. Just curiosity and comfortable shoes.

Gesellschaften erleben seit einigen Jahren eine wachsende politische Polarisierung. Immer mehr (v.a. Junge) Menschen fühlen sich von der politischen Mitte entfremdet und orientieren sich an Positionen am rechten oder linken Rand. Vertrauensverlust in Politik, Medien und Institutionen, aber auch Identitätsfragen, Ängste und das Bedürfnis nach Zugehörigkeit prägen diese Entwicklungen. Ein interdisziplinärer Blick zeigt mögliche Ursachen – und Ansätze, wie gesellschaftliche Brüche überwunden werden könnten. Welche Mechanismen treiben Polarisierung wirklich voran? Und wie lassen sich neue Formen politischen Vertrauens aufbauen? (work in progress)

For decades, Europe’s digital landscape has relied heavily on technologies, platforms, and infrastructure developed beyond its borders. This openness has driven innovation, growth, and global connectivity — with companies and citizens benefiting greatly from the dynamism of international technology providers. As global competition intensifies and geopolitics become increasingly intertwined with technology, digital sovereignty has moved to the forefront. More than 90 major European companies have called for a “sovereign infrastructure fund” to strengthen Europe’s digital foundations and ensure long-term resilience — not in opposition to global partners, but alongside them. The strategic question is clear: how can Europe reconcile openness with autonomy, regulation with competitiveness, and global partnership with strategic independence?

As Europe confronts a rapidly deteriorating security environment, the continent is being forced to reckon with the return of hard power. Drone incursions into Polish airspace highlight how quickly crises can unfold and how exposed Europe's eastern flank remains. At the same time, governments across the continent are rearming at a pace unseen in decades, rebuilding industrial capacity, reassessing long-held strategic assumptions, and new NATO members add perspectives shaped by proximity to Russia and the demands of collective defence. The aim is to illuminate Europe's most acute pressure points and explore how political, military, and economic actors can strengthen the continent's resilience and deterrence — ensuring that stability is preserved and escalation on European soil is prevented.

Geopolitical turbulence, technological acceleration, and increasing regulatory divergence are challenging the foundations of global finance. For organisations built on trust, stability, and long-term capital stewardship, the question is no longer incremental adaptation — but how to transform fundamentally in a rapidly changing world. In this one-on-one discussion with Sergio P. Ermotti, Group CEO of UBS, we explore how the bank and the Swiss financial centre navigate current challenges and opportunities. The conversation will examine how Switzerland and UBS address technological innovation and shifting regulatory demands, and what is required to preserve Switzerland’s role as a trusted and influential player in the evolving global financial landscape.

Critical infrastructure has become the backbone of geopolitical power in a fragmented world. As technological disruption accelerates and geopolitical rivalry intensifies, infrastructure is no longer merely an economic asset — it has emerged as a strategic lever of sovereignty, resilience, and global influence. From energy grids and digital networks to supply chains and data systems, the foundations of modern societies are increasingly exposed to hybrid threats, technological dependencies, and geopolitical coercion. At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence and digitalization promise greater efficiency and resilience — while introducing new systemic risks. Against this backdrop, critical questions emerge: where do the greatest vulnerabilities lie — and what will it take to turn infrastructure from a point of fragility into a source of strategic advantage?

Session details will be announced in the near future as the programme takes shape.

In a global environment of deep uncertainty, governments and central banks must simultaneously ensure conditions for economic growth, price stability, and open markets. This session explores the strategic intersections of monetary, fiscal, and trade policy: How can national budgets and financial policies be designed in a context of high interest rates and debt to promote competitiveness and innovation? What role do multilateral trade agreements and investment partnerships play in making supply chains more resilient? And how do central banks manage inflation, interest rates, and financial stability to safeguard sustainable growth?

Do we need more deregulation? In an era of accelerating change, the role of regulation is increasingly contested. Alejandro Cacace argues that excessive regulation has become a structural barrier - slowing down adaptation, limiting economic dynamism, and constraining societal progress. In this session, his perspective will be put to the test. In a dynamic Hot Seat format, Alejandro Cacace will engage in a series of head-to-head debates with three next-generation leaders - each representing a contrasting viewpoint. Across three focused rounds of approximately seven minutes each, the discussion will tackle some of today’s most contested policy arenas. Following each round, the audience will be invited to vote on which perspective was more convincing—triggering the rotation of the next challenger. Fast-paced, confrontational, and highly interactive, this session puts competing visions of regulation to the test—revealing not only what divides them, but what may ultimately define the path forward.

In today’s always-on world, our most valuable asset is attention. Constant connectivity and digital overstimulation disrupt our ability to focus, rest, and regenerate. This chronic cognitive overload not only increases stress, but over time can compromise brain health, affecting memory, decision-making, and potentially increasing the risk of conditions like dementia. Understanding how environmental and lifestyle factors, as well as mindful use of technology, influence mental resilience is critical. By combining emerging insights from neuroscience with AI-driven tools that track behavior and attention patterns, and practical strategies for managing cognitive load and recovery, we want to explore how we can safeguard cognitive capacity, support mental well-being, and build sustainable personal and organizational performance. (work in progress)

Biotech breakthroughs, cellular rejuvenation, and data-driven prevention are beginning to redefine the boundaries of human aging & could extend even beyond lifespan and healthspan. But how far can cellular reprogramming push the biological limits of aging? What happens with a society when preventive medicine becomes fully data-driven and predictive? & which technologies will truly scale from cutting-edge labs to everyday healthcare? Let‘s take a concise interdisciplinary look at the technologies poised to transform how long—and how well—we can live.

Emerging technologies — including but not limited to artificial intelligence — are reshaping defense capabilities, intelligence operations, and the broader security environment. At the same time, nations, institutions, and societies are struggling to keep pace with the strategic, ethical, and security implications that accompany these shifts. The aim is to provide a clear-sighted assessment of the AI-driven developments in defense — and to explore how public & private actors can work together to prepare for the conflicts of the future in order to prevent them.

Capital is a powerful signal of what may shape the future. It flows toward the technologies, industries, and business models expected to define the next decade, from AI and advanced manufacturing to climate tech, biotech, and new forms of mobility. But capital does not move in isolation. As new sectors rise and others lose momentum, investors, business leaders, banks, and public markets are all forced to rethink how value is identified, financed, governed, and scaled. This session explores what changing capital flows reveal about the next wave of breakthrough industries and how private capital, financial institutions, and market leaders can respond to a rapidly shifting economic landscape.

In an ageing society, sustaining solidarity becomes as much a social challenge as an economic one. Currently, in OECD countries, there are approximately 33 individuals aged 65 and over for every 100 working-age adults, a ratio that is rising and thereby intensifying the economic and social burden on younger generations. Migration can help against this social burden and support welfare systems in ageing societies, but is simultaneously testing social cohesion and public trust. When newcomers enter already strained systems, tensions can arise over access to jobs, housing, and social benefits. This session explores how migration can be integrated into a renewed intergenerational contract that balances economic necessity with social stability, and asks where the limits of solidarity may lie.

The competitiveness of Germany and Europe as an investment location increasingly depends on how effectively political frameworks and corporate strategies translate into action. Stable forward-looking regulation, targeted incentives, and efficient processes are essential — as is the willingness of businesses to commit capital, scale innovation, and invest for the long term. Alignment between policymakers and industry remains key — a tension explored through the perspectives of Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group, and Martin Blessing, Germany’s Foreign Investment Commissioner.

The global order is marked by increasing multipolarity, as power diffuses and traditional alliances coexist with more fluid, issue-based partnerships. Europe, facing persistent security challenges, economic recalibration, and the need to maintain regional stability, is reevaluating its strategic posture. The United States continues to project influence globally, balancing competition with China and engagement with allies across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Meanwhile, African nations such as Namibia are increasingly advancing independent agendas, leveraging global partnerships to strengthen economic and technological sovereignty. This session convenes voices from Europe, the United States, and Africa to examine how diverse actors navigate interdependence and rivalry in today’s dynamic world, and to explore what effective cooperation can look like amid competing interests and shared global challenges.

Political polarization, global crises, and social change are reshaping how generations relate to one another. At the same time, crossgenerational dialogue is becoming an increasingly important resource for social cohesion, democratic resilience, and conflict transformation. This session explores how meaningful dialogue between generations can be strengthened in times of conflict, what obstacles stand in the way, and which approaches show promise. Using a fishbowl format, panelists and participants will exchange perspectives, share experiences, and identify practical strategies for fostering crossgenerational understanding.

In his new book Epic Disruptions, Scott D. Anthony argues that transformative innovation follows recognizable patterns: it makes the complex simple, the scarce abundant, and the expensive accessible. Such disruptions not only reshape industries but reorder societies—altering how people work, coordinate, and trust. From the printing press to AI, these shifts expand human possibility while straining existing institutions and norms. Understanding the logic of disruption offers clues to the systems now under pressure and to the futures that may emerge from them. (work in progress)

The Middle East is facing a moment of profound uncertainty, where escalating military tensions, fragile ceasefires, and shifting alliances intersect with deep domestic upheaval. At the center of these dynamics lies Iran: nearly five decades after the 1979 revolution, sustained societal pressure, economic strain, and generational dissent are challenging the resilience of the Islamic Republic. Yet the question is no longer confined to Iran alone. How do internal transformations within Tehran interact with regional security concerns, Gulf recalibrations, and broader regional conflict lines? (work in progress)

Breakthroughs in science and technology are rapidly reshaping what medicine can achieve: from transforming once fatal diseases into manageable conditions to enabling entirely new approaches to prevention, longevity, and personalized health. Advances in neuroscience, diagnostics, and AI-driven health technologies are shifting the focus of healthcare from treatment to early detection and true prevention, opening the door to longer and healthier lives. Yet scientific progress alone does not determine real-world impact. The key challenge lies in how innovation is enabled, how quickly it reaches patients, and who ultimately benefits. As regions compete for talent, investment, and leadership in medical innovation, policy decisions increasingly shape both access and societal value. At the same time, these developments raise profound ethical questions: How far should we go in extending life? How do we ensure equitable access? And how do we keep the human at the center of care? This session brings together leading experts to explore the next frontier of longevity and personalized health. We will examine the opportunities emerging from cutting-edge technologies, the responsibilities that come with them, and the choices societies must make as the boundaries of medicine and human lifespan continue to expand. (work in progress)

As Europe and the United States reassess and redefine their relationship, long-standing assumptions about open markets - and the trust underpinning transatlantic cooperation - are being tested. What does rising uncertainty around trade policy mean for global value chains, and how are these shifts reshaping political and strategic alignment, prompting Europe to strengthen its own capabilities and coordination - and potentially driving greater independence and cohesion among European countries? At the same time, Europe’s perception of the United States is evolving: internal developments are becoming harder to interpret, long-held images are beginning to erode, and there is a growing recognition that the transatlantic relationship may not return to its previous form - raising questions not only for Europe, but also for the United States itself, from labor market dynamics to inflation and broader economic stability.

As we part ways, let us lead with the next generation in mind—especially in this Disrupted Age, where established systems are being challenged and redefined. In times of uncertainty and rapid change, the responsibility lies with us to turn disruption into opportunity: to foster collaboration across generations, bridge divides, and shape a future that is not only resilient, but inclusive and forward-looking.