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

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

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.​ This session takes stock of the state of American power by examining governance structures, institutional balance, and political decision-making. Against the backdrop of the midterm elections, it explores 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 global power dynamics shift and traditional alliances fracture, the ripple effects reach far beyond geopolitics. One consequence of this “Disrupted Age” is the erosion of the global humanitarian aid system. With the United States reducing its role and other nations diverting resources toward security and economic stability, funding gaps are widening just as crises multiply. Can private capital step in where public aid retreats? This session explores emerging models of humanitarian financing, focusing on the IKEA Foundation’s collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Sudan as a case study. What does this example reveal about the potential—and limits—of private engagement in crisis response, and how can philanthropy and business help sustain human dignity amid global disruption? (work in progress)

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 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)

Rising tariffs, expanding trade restrictions, and shifting alliances are reshaping the foundations of global commerce. From Washington to Beijing to Brussels, governments are redefining their positions in a new world order where economic interdependence collides with strategic rivalry. Is this the end of globalisation as we knew it—or the emergence of a more regionalised, multipolar trading system? This session brings together voices from China, the United States, and Europe to explore how geopolitical tensions are disrupting established patterns of trade, what this means for businesses and consumers, and how nations can navigate the uncertain path toward the next phase of globalisation. (work in progress)

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

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

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

Historian Michael Wolffsohn outlines his proposal for a lasting peace built on federal and confederal principles. Drawing on historical insight, he argues that stability in the Middle East may emerge not from separation, but from structured coexistence. His concept challenges conventional diplomacy by rethinking sovereignty, identity, and self-determination through the lens of federalism. (work in progress)

The global order is undergoing profound transformation. Power structures are shifting — and with them the way politics is shaped and conducted. 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)

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 on technologies, platforms, and infrastructure largely developed outside its borders. This openness has been a major driver of innovation, growth, and global connectivity — with European companies and citizens alike benefiting greatly from the excellence and dynamism of international technology providers. Yet as global competition intensifies and geopolitics increasingly intertwine with technology, questions of digital sovereignty have moved to the forefront. More than 90 European companies have called for the creation of a “sovereign infrastructure fund” to strengthen Europe’s digital foundations and ensure long-term resilience - not in opposition to global partners, but in complement to them. The continent now faces a strategic challenge: how can Europe reconcile openness with autonomy, regulation with competitiveness, and global partnership with strategic independence? (work in progress)

As Europe confronts a rapidly deteriorating security environment, the continent is being forced to reckon with the return of hard power. The recent 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 bring fresh 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. (work in progress)

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 just an economic asset, but a strategic lever of sovereignty, resilience, and influence. This panel brings together political and economic leaders to examine how nations and regions can secure the foundations of the emerging global order. How vulnerable are today’s interconnected systems to hybrid threats, technological dependencies, and geopolitical coercion? Where do artificial intelligence and digitalization strengthen resilience — and where do they introduce new systemic risks? (work in progress)

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

After years of low rates and abundant liquidity, Europe’s financial system faces a new reality. Tighter financing conditions, rising debt levels, and shifting global capital flows are reshaping investment prospects across the continent. In the DACH region in particular, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have long benefited from trusted financial centers and stable operating models. These strengths are now being tested by increasing regulatory fragmentation, new tariff environments, and heightened geopolitical risk that challenge long-standing assumptions about openness and cross-border capital mobility. Europe must find reliable ways to fund its major transitions, attract investors, and preserve fiscal stability while maintaining its competitiveness as a global financial hub. This session explores how financial markets, policymakers, and investors can balance discipline with strategic investment in growth and innovation, while adapting to an operating landscape that is becoming more complex and less predictable. (work in progress)

The Hot-Seat Session is a dynamic and tightly focused debate format designed to challenge ideas through constantly shifting perspectives. One participant remains in the Hot Seat throughout, providing continuity, while a sequence of different voices rotate in to confront, question, and expand the discussion. At the centre of the stage, two chairs anchor the exchange, one constant, one in motion, creating momentum and contrast. The audience shapes the pace of the conversation through live voting, determining when it is time for a new voice to enter. The result is a sharp, energetic debate driven by contrast, focus, and collective momentum.

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.

As geopolitical tensions rise and technological progress accelerates, the nature of conflict is undergoing a profound transformation. 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. (work in progress)

Around the world, capital is shifting toward the technologies and industries that will define the next decade—from AI and advanced manufacturing to climate tech, biotech, and the new frontiers of mobility. While some regions double down on legacy sectors, global venture and growth investors are rapidly reallocating resources toward places where innovation is accelerating and commercialisation cycles are shortening. Looking at these developments through the lens of risk capital and long-term investors, this session also brings in the perspective of traditional banking institutions and examines how public markets and major indices adjust as new industries rise and established sectors decline. Together, the discussion maps emerging hotspots of investment, explores how geopolitical realignments are reshaping capital flows, and highlights the signals that reveal where tomorrow’s breakthrough industries are likely to emerge. (work in progress)

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 hinges on a dynamic interplay between political frameworks and corporate strategy. Governments must provide stable, forward-looking regulations, targeted incentives, and efficient processes, while businesses contribute through strategic investment, innovation, and responsible practices. How can policymakers and industry leaders best coordinate to create a resilient and attractive investment environment in a rapidly transforming global economy? This session explores these questions in a conversation with Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group, and Martin Blessing, Germany’s Foreign Investment Commissioner, bringing together the perspectives of both government and business leaders. (work in progress)

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. China and India assert growing roles in shaping trade, technology, and global governance, often pursuing divergent development models. 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, Asia, 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. (work in progress)

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)

China is entering a pivotal phase as it recalibrates its growth model, doubles down on AI and advanced industries, and strengthens its ambition to become a global research and innovation powerhouse — all while navigating mounting geopolitical and economic pressures. Alongside these shifts, the evolution of China’s financial system and capital markets will play an increasingly important role in shaping both domestic transformation and global economic dynamics. As Beijing balances domestic priorities with an increasingly assertive global posture, the question is not only how China views the current geopolitical landscape and where it is headed, but also what its trajectory means for others. For Europe, this moment brings both risk and opportunity. If China is redefining the dynamics of competition from within, how can the EU position itself to benefit rather than be sidelined? (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)

Breakthrough science is rapidly reshaping what medicine can do for patients and societies—from turning once‑fatal diseases into manageable conditions to offering hope where none existed before. Yet scientific possibility alone does not determine impact. The true next frontier lies in how societies enable innovation to thrive, how quickly breakthroughs reach those who need them, and where in the world this progress takes place. This panel explores the intersection of medical innovation, global competitiveness, and ethical responsibility. As regions compete for research investment, clinical development, and talent, policy choices increasingly shape access to innovation and its societal value. Bringing together leaders from industry, science, and ethics, the discussion will examine how to translate breakthroughs into real‑world benefit. (work in progress)

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

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