As the anniversary symposium could not take place this May, it will be held from 6–7 May 2021 with the general topic being “Trust Matters”. Safety and health of the participants are the top priority. To ensure this, the St. Gallen Symposium is breaking new grounds.

St. Gallen, 08 October 2020 – With the beginning of the new semester, the team of around 30 students from the University of St.Gallen started organising the 50th St. Gallen Symposium in
May 2021. The students are confronted with new and so far unknown challenges such as existing travel and event restrictions. “A great deal of flexibility is required for us students, who are pausing their studies for a year in favour of this 50-year initiative,” says Nadine Merz, head of the organising committee of the 50th St. Gallen Symposium. Despite the existing uncertainties concerning the organisation of major events, the students’ motivation and team spirit is evident to continue the dialogue between generations.

Anniversary Symposium in May 2021

Along with the goal to provide a platform for cross-generational dialogue and celebrating the
50th anniversary of the St. Gallen Symposium, the safety and health of all are paramount. “We are constantly analysing the situation and, thanks to our developed scenarios and the symposium of the future, we can react flexibly and facilitate a unique, modern and international dialogue,” says Beat Ulrich, CEO of the St. Gallen Symposium.

The Symposium of the Future

The symposium of the future combines physical and digital dialogue at international locations.
Between 300 and 1000 physical participants are expected on the campus of the University of St.Gallen. This central location will be supplemented by two newly established hubs in North America and Asia, and for the first time will be supported by live streams to Swiss Embassies around the world. This way, the crucial cross-generational dialogue is made possible internationally. This development strengthens the global impact and connects communities from the symposium to several regions of the world. Additionally, in the spirit of the next generation, it uses digital possibilities for a more sustainable approach. Lastly, it also provides flexibility in the current Covid-19 situation: More opportunities to participate, less travel, and thus a symposium in an adapted size.

Topic «Trust Matters»

The anniversary topic is “Trust Matters”. In recent years, public trust, especially of younger generations, in political and economic institutions, emerging technologies, and the media has eroded. “We, as the young generation, are connected through social media to a greater number of people, but they do not correspond to the circle of those whom we can trust,” says Simon Zulliger, member of the student team. Currently, in light of unprecedented global challenges, finding ways to preserve and strengthen trust is key for a sustainable recovery. To find these ways, around 500 young people from all over the world will be in dialogue with leaders such as Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter, Thomas Gottstein (Credit Suisse AG) and Christophe Deloire (Reporters without Borders) in various formats throughout the year and next May.