At the same time, nations and economies across Asia, Africa and Latin America are affirming new roles on the world stage. This global shift towards multipolarity extends across several dimensions – representing one of the fundamental trends today’s and tomorrow’s leaders need to grapple with and comprehend. The expanded BRICS alliance—which now includes not only Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, but also Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia as a member and Nigeria as a partner—has grown to represent approximately 46% of global GDP and 55% of the world’s population. More than 100 million people from Asia, Africa and Latin America enter the middle class every year, while global hubs of technological innovation are equally shifting towards Asia. 

While the transition to a multipolar world order presents both profound challenges and extraordinary opportunities, such developments are naturally viewed differently around the world. While some focus on perceived threats, others hope for a new era of civilisational diversity. What is certain is that the shifting balance of power has increased the uncertainty and volatility of the geopolitical environment. 

The St. Gallen Agenda towards May 2025

As the world’s leading platform for cross-generational dialogue, the St. Gallen Symposium recognises these developments as one of the fundamental forces reshaping the world young and future generations will inherit. Our global community of senior and emerging business leaders, policy makers, researchers and civil society advocates are engaged in a year-round journey of dialogue and learning, culminating in the 54^th St. Gallen Symposium in May 2025. Throughout the process, we will identify the key dimensions and drivers of current shifts in global power, help our partners grow their geopolitical muscle, and explore actionable strategies across five key issue areas: 

Business and Economics: Businesses are increasingly putting geopolitics at the top of their agendas. High inflation, price volatility and geo-economic fragmentation are potentially a direct consequence of a more multipolar international environment, and corporate strategic planning must take this into account. At the same time, the emergence of new economic powerhouses and an expanding global middle class present significant opportunities. We will explore adaptive strategies for companies to navigate these changes and take an in-depth look at selected regional economies. These questions will take centre stage at the Symposium in the session “Doing Business Amidst Shifting Global Power.” Among others, Roland Busch, CEO of Siemens, and Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, will discuss business strategy, public investment, and how institutions and financial services are adapting to a rapidly evolving global landscape. 

Innovation and Technology: Technological mastery and the ability to foster a climate of innovation increasingly determine national competitive advantage and geopolitical leverage, with digital capabilities becoming tools of statecraft. The symposium will examine how emerging technologies are redistributing global influence and how responsible innovation can be sustained amidst intensifying international competition. With China rapidly advancing in transition technologies while Western nations implement protective measures, technological decoupling presents both challenges and opportunities for global innovation ecosystems. At the St. Gallen Symposium, these questions will be at the heart of the session “Securing the Global Energy Supply for the Next Generation”. Among others, Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, will share his perspective on how we can meet rising global energy demand while ensuring both sustainability and equity in the energy transition..

Governance and Cooperation: While democratic systems of governance are increasingly under pressure, multilateral institutions equally need significant reform in light of a shifting global power balance and the US retreating. This is all the more relevant as this erosion of cooperative mechanisms occurs precisely at a time when global challenges demand coordinated responses, creating a paradox that we address. We will discuss the challenges and opportunities in reforming domestic and global governance to ensure it remains relevant and effective in a changing world. These themes will be taken up in the session “More Power, More Problems? The Unfolding Journey of Emerging Nations.” Among others, two government members of BRICS states – Jyotiraditya Scindia, India’s Minister of Communications and Minister for the Development of the North Eastern Region, and Leon Schreiber, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs – will reflect on how rising powers are shaping – and being shaped by – today’s evolving global governance landscape.

Security and Peace: Never before have there been so many armed conflicts across the globe as in 2023, when the number of conflicts involving states totalled 59. Global armament and military expenditures are rising across the globe. Going forward, many expect that a more volatile, multipolar order may turn more frozen conflicts into heated confrontations. The 54^th St. Gallen Symposium will provide a comprehensive insight into shifting security dynamics and alliances – and seeks to promote dialogue in a fragile world. Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, and Thomas Süssli, Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces, will engage in that dialogue in the session “Left Outside Alone? European Security in a Post-Western World Order,” where they will address how Europe is navigating rising defence investments and shifting alliances in a rapidly changing security environment.

Sustainability and Transformation: Whereas the West is responsible for a large part of historic CO2 emissions, the BRICS now account for 45% of annual emissions (vs. 26% from the G7, incl. the EU). This underlines the importance of global cooperation for sustainability. With cheap, renewable energy available on an unprecedented scale, we will explore ways to drive capital and political efforts towards global climate action, and examine the transitions underway in emerging economies. In the session “The Green Transition Under Attack: What Way Forward for Business?” we will dive deeper into how companies can navigate political and economic pushback on sustainability – with, among others, André Hoffmann, Vice-Chairman of F. Hoffmann-La Roche, and Rachel Brooks, Head of Sustainability Curriculum Development at the University of St.Gallen. 

At the 54th St. Gallen Symposium, we await engaging debates that explore the most current understanding of these global shifts as of May 2025. Participants can look forward to:  

• Gain insights into the latest developments in global shifts, providing a clear radar and seismograph of ongoing changes.  

• Assess the implications of these shifts for individual business and political strategies.  

• Explore diverse perspectives on global transitions, breaking out of specific bubbles to achieve a comprehensive view.  

• Understand the economic impact of these changes across various regions, enabling informed and strategic decision-making.  
  
• Engage in meaningful dialogue addressing broader geopolitical, economic, and societal transformations shaping the future.