«For the conference to be a success it demands that all of us who are participants take part; in speaking, in asking questions, in entering in dialogue […], even with the person who is next to us» (Lord Brian Griffiths of Fforestfach, 2005).

These words from our Conference Co-Chairman remain as relevant today as they were twenty years ago, whilst the ultimate responsibility rests upon our shoulders. As the organizing committee of the 53^rd St. Gallen Symposium and in particular as students, they express our key aspiration for the “three shared days in May”: bringing together a unique, cross-generational community from more than 80 nations and across sectors to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Our theme “Confronting Scarcity” will be at the core of our cross-generational dialogue in May. In an era increasingly defined by scarcity, we are brought to deal with challenges that span the spectrum from the depletion of essential natural resources, such as water, food, and energy, to the intangible scarcities that afflict even the most seemingly prosperous regions. Environmental degradation and climate change exacerbate these physical shortages, while technological advances, though beneficial, introduce complex dilemmas including job displacement, privacy concerns, and digital divides. These advancements draw attention to the need for increased communication between different age groups, revealing the shifting dynamics among generations. Our world unfolds as a tapestry of stark contrasts. The illusion of peace in some areas belies the ongoing struggle for stability and harmony elsewhere, underscoring the universal pursuit of peace as a scarce commodity. Regions facing labor shortages versus those enduring brain drain underscore disparities in opportunity and development. Health crises, ranging from pandemics to non-communicable diseases, reveal the fragility of our global systems and the varying capacities of societies to respond.  

Against this backdrop of both tangible and intangible scarcities, the St. Gallen Symposium represents a pivotal platform, championing cross-generational dialogue and collaboration. 

Tackling today’s urgent issues demands fresh, innovative strategies. As members of the International Students’ Committee for the 53rd St. Gallen Symposium, we believe that bringing together experience and resources with curiosity and disruption allow for a broader, more impactful dialogue aimed not just at addressing immediate challenges but also at securing a promising future for subsequent generations. Our history of addressing pivotal topics -, discussing the Club of Rome’s “Limit to Growth” as the world’s first platform in 1972, exploring Europe’s lack of strategic autonomy already as early as the 1980s and highlighting risks of pandemics through airborne viruses in the early 2000s – underscores our belief in the enduring relevance of today’s discussions in St. Gallen for tomorrow’s solutions. By hosting this conference, we do more than join the discourse; we provide a foundational platform for it, welcoming everyone to partake in this essential dialogue. 

We are truly grateful for your active commitment to cross-generational dialogue here at the St. Gallen Symposium. Your presence marks a significant step towards positive change. Now, we invite you to make the most of your encounters. Talk to people with different world views, allow yourself to be challenged by a different generational perspective and embrace the enriching challenge of intergenerational dialogue. Remain open-minded and remember, the lasting impact of the St. Gallen Symposium is in your hands. Over the past 10 months, we have dedicated ourselves to cultivating dialogue and highlighting the need for action. Show us your effort to make this year’s Symposium count.  

We stand ready to move together from talk to action – together, across generations – at the 53^rd St. Gallen Symposium. 

Your International Students’ Committee