Schedule

Note: Event times and speaker lineups are subject to change

Social Hours

Harvard Kennedy School | Courtyard 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Decompress, exchange ideas, or network with other participants of the conference in the common area of HKS. Attendance is flexible, come as you like! Planned Activities Board Games Mind Games

Keynote: Germany, the US and Zeitenwende – Policy Making in Trying Times

Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

As Commissioner for the Federal Intelligence Services, his expertise spans governance, intelligence, and national security, with a particular focus on transatlantic topics. Join us to gain a unique perspective on […]

Panel: Civic Eloquence – The Future of Digital Advocacy

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-332 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Social media communications alter and challenge the structure of politics and parties significantly. We seek to discuss which potentials social media has for political communications, how influencers on social media […]

Fireside Chat: Making Industrial Policy Work for Decarbonization

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-436 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

This event will explore the rise of green industrial policy and its potential in fostering sustainable economic growth while addressing climatic challenges. With Franziska Brantner and Jonas Meckling

Panel: German Mittelstand: From Local Business to International Success

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-306 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Are you curious about the secret behind the German Mittelstand's global success and eager to learn how tradition meets innovation in a transatlantic context? Join us for engaging expert talks […]

Coffee Break

Harvard Kennedy School 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Panel: Inflation – the known, the unknown, and what to do about It

Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Inflation - is it here to stay? Are higher markups by firms to blame? How do we address the distributional consequences? Can there be a soft landing or is a […]

Panel: Transatlantic Collaboration in the Sciences

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-330 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

This panel seeks to discuss the scientific relationship that the United States and Germany share. This means focusing on the flow of information between the two countries, as well as […]

Panel: Career Paths Beyond Sectors – Ways In and Out of the Public Sector

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-332 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

The manifold challenges of today’s age require dedicated leaders in public service that equally understand the world of the private and the non-profit sector - often referred to as tri-sector […]

Panel: The Need for Speed: Transforming Mobility in Times of Rapid Change

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-306 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

This panel aims to explore the ongoing transformation in the mobility sector. Climate change, changing societal demands, rapidly advancing technology and high competition posed by disruptive players in the various […]

Panel: Local is the New Global? The Role of Cities in Reviving Democracy

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-304 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

What needs to be done on a local level to boost democracy and facilitate social change? What are best-practices and use-cases? In an age where global dynamics constantly shift, we'll […]

Workshop: Sustainability in Fashion with BCG

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-G-102 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

This workshop will be only be held in German. This event will also have a session on Sunday. Du willst gemeinsam mit spannenden Persönlichkeiten an den wirklich wichtigen Themen unserer […]

Lunch for Studienstiftung and DAAD Scholars and Alumni

Harvard Kennedy School | Taubman Building, 5th Floor 15 Eliot St, Cambridge, MA, United States

The event is exclusively for scholarship recipients from the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes and DAAD. If you are a current scholar or alumnus with either program, please join us! Please […]

Lunch Break

Harvard Kennedy School | Wintergarden 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Lunch with QuantCo Virdx

Henrietta's Table 1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Note: Application required, admittance limited to selected attendees The Virdx unit of QuantCo is hosting a lunch at Henrietta's Table on Saturday, October 28 from 12:30 to 1:30pm for a […]

Panel: Rebuilding Ukraine, already now?

Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

This panel discusses the urgent need and strategies for rebuilding Ukraine, exploring topics such as the EU and US perspectives on reconstruction, private investment during times of war, and international […]

Panel: Born in Germany, raised in the US: Do all unicorns gallop into the Valley?

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-436 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

The panel discussion is designed to cater to startup founders, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, industry experts, and professionals interested in the dynamics of cross-border startup scaling. The event welcomes participants from […]

Panel: Future of Biotech, Pharma and AI in Medicine

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-330 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

In a world undergoing rapid technological transformation, healthcare stands as a field profoundly impacted by innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), genetic engineering, and biotechnology. The integration of AI in […]

Workshop: Innovation in Media

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-414 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Join us for an exciting workshop hosted by funk, the digital content network of ARD and ZDF, where you'll uncover the secrets of innovation in media. Explore cutting-edge strategies, emerging […]

Food / Drink

Harvard Kennedy School | Wintergarden 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Fireside Chat: Climate Now: Climate, Sustainability, and Decarbonization

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-306 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking fireside chat with Dr. Fabian Schober, CEO of TÜV Süd America. He will explore questions such as how organizations can actively contribute to […]

Workshop: The Future of Sustainable Logistics with DHL Consulting

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-434 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

As the world’s largest logistics company, DHL is committed to delivering more sustainable logistics solutions. Consultants from DHL Consulting will run a workshop to provide a holistic view on the […]

Workshop: From All Hell to Oh Well. How to Build Resilience

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-332 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

In today's challenging world, it's more important than ever to prioritize mental health, foster resilience, and promote a culture of empathy and support. In this workshop, Rick and Fairlee will […]

Food / Drinks

Harvard Kennedy School | Wintergarden 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Panel: Why haven’t we cured cancer?

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-330 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Tremendous progress has been made in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer since the first identification of cancerous cells. Still, about ten million people die from cancer globally every […]

Workshop: Innovation in Science Communication

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-304 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Join us for an engaging workshop on science communication where experts in the field will explore cutting-edge strategies and technologies that are reshaping the way we convey complex scientific concepts […]

Workshop: Pixels to Progress

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-414 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

In this interactive session, we will discuss to which extent collaboration on the digital city can lead to improved urban resilience and thus transform pixels into progress. The starting point […]

Workshop: Humanize Work with Deloitte

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-434 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Learn with Deloitte how technology and specifically AI will play a powerful and important role in enabling and accelerating key shifts transforming the world of work in today’s boundaryless world. […]

Coffee Break

Harvard Kennedy School 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Panel: Trade Technology Council

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-330 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

In this panel, we are exploring the intersection between commerce and innovation, and its profound influence on the transatlantic relationships - in light of the work of the Trade Technology […]

Panel: Regulating AI

Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Artificial Intelligence (AI) develops rapidly, demanding fast regulatory action. However, Artificial Intelligence poses formidable challenges from a technical, but in particular from a legal point of view. The challenges, opportunities […]

Panel: Young Voices Driving the Change in the World

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-332 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

One common stereotype about Gen Z is that they strive to have a positive impact on the world. But do they really? This event brings together five passionate and visionary […]

Discussion: On the Current Situation in Israel and Gaza

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-436 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

In this session, the speaker will start with some thoughts on the unfolding situation in Israel/Gaza, and on what has been happening on the Harvard campus and elsewhere. The remainder […]

Morning Run by the Charles

Harvard Kennedy School 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Free up your head during a refreshing morning run by the Charles. We will offer two different laps around the heart of Boston and join the many Bostonians in their […]

Social Hours

Harvard Kennedy School | Courtyard 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Decompress, exchange ideas, or network with other participants of the conference in the common area of HKS. Attendance is flexible, come as you like! Planned Activities Board Games Mind Games

Networking Breakfast with SAP

Bluestone Lane Harvard Square Café 27 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Note: Registration is required due to limited capacity - ticketed participants may register here Save a spot for an exclusive networking breakfast with SAP. Exchange with experts from SAP and […]

Panel: Reporting on War

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-304 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Reporting in war times is one of the most challenging, yet important tasks journalists face. In the fog of war, it often depends on the courage of very few journalists […]

Food / Drink / Booths

Harvard Kennedy School | Wintergarden 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Workshop: Think Beyond, Together: Visual Thinking Strategies

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-434 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Join us for an enlightening workshop that explores the fascinating world of Visual Thinking Strategies and its application in dealing with ambiguity through shared decision making. In today's fast-paced and […]

Workshop: Sustainability in Fashion with BCG

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-G-102 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

This workshop will only be held in German. This event will also have a session on Saturday. Du willst gemeinsam mit spannenden Persönlichkeiten an den wirklich wichtigen Themen unserer Zeit […]

Panel: Education Beyond Limits

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-306 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

The event aims at giving all participants a comprehensive insight into novel education concepts. The event features young leaders in education from Germany and the U.S. introducing digital concepts that […]

Panel: What’s next after ChatGPT? The next wave of AI and autonomous machines

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-332 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Join us for an insightful event exploring the future of artificial intelligence (AI). We'll discuss aligning AI with human values, addressing key deficiencies, and exploring what comes after Large Language […]

Coffee Break

Harvard Kennedy School 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Fireside Chat: War Briefing with Colonel Markus Reisner

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-G21 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Colonel Markus Reisner of the Austrian Armed Forces, famous for his YouTube battlefield analyses, will be providing an exclusive briefing on war to the GAC 2023 participants. Even better, the […]

Fireside Chat: The Life of an Astronaut

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-306 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Delving into the prospect of human life beyond Earth, this discussion will explore the underlying principles of manned spaceflight and envision our future as an interplanetary civilization. With Dr. Jeffrey […]

Workshop: Empower Her – Feminist Perspectives on Foreign Policy

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-332 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

"Empower Her - Feminist Perspectives on Foreign Policy” is an interactive event dedicated to exploring the visionary concept of Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP). It brings together influential politicians, activists, academics, […]

Panel: Deeptech Entrepreneurship

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-330 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Recently, deep-tech entrepreneurship has gained attention from politicians, practitioners and the media in Germany wondering about the "why" of it is lacking behind its US counterpart. When it comes to […]

Food / Drink / Booths

Harvard Kennedy School | Wintergarden 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Panel: Breaking the Burnout Cycle: New Strategies for Mental Health

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-304 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Follow your passion to prevent burnout? Join us for a series of brief, enlightening talks and an engaging Q&A session featuring celebrated athletes, mental health experts, and mindfulness practitioners. Whether […]

Workshop: Business is Personal

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-434 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

This event focuses on developing a personalized practice to mitigate burnout and optimize performance. It will encourage you to think beyond your business strategic plan and start to consider your own […]

Lunch Break

Harvard Kennedy School | Wintergarden 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Lunch for Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft Scholars and Alumni

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-414 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

The event is exclusively for scholarship recipients from the Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft (German Business Foundation). If you are a current scholarship recipient or alumnus, please join us! We will […]

Panel: Innovations in Work: A Glimpse into the Future

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-332 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

How will the way we work change in the next decade? This event on the future of work will begin with a thought-provoking input by Michael Trautmann, followed by a […]

Workshop: Innovation in Science

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-306 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

This workshop aims at addressing some of the overlooked areas of innovation in academia. In a rapidly digitalizing world, it's easy to assume that the frontier of progress lies solely […]

Workshop: Having Better Policy Conversations About AI

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-414 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

The rise of generative AI poses complex challenges that demand multi-disciplinary expertise from policy makers. However, discussions about AI can become fragmented and unproductive, with technical experts and policy makers […]

Workshop: Masterclass Comedy and Communications

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-436 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Join Enissa Amani for her workshop on human communication and comedy. Explore how humor can facilitate public speaking and help you capture the audience. Learn to enhance your communication skills […]

GAC Military Interaction Program

The German American Conference at HKS is proud to host its "Military Interaction Program (MIP)" as part of its conference. First established in 2022, the MIP invites officer candidates of […]

Harvard Campus Tour

Lehman Hall 8 Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA, United States

Join one of our Harvard student-led tours on Friday from 10am-12pm, just before the German American Conference kicks off! These tours, lasting between 30 and 60 minutes, will give you […]

Exclusive Tour at the Harvard Art Museum

Lehman Hall 8 Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA, United States

Discover an array of artworks that transcend borders and spotlight the complexities of modern German identity on a private tour with the curator of the museum, Dr. Lynette Roth!  Made […]

Registration

Lehman Hall 8 Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA, United States

Visit of Harvard Community Engagement Dog, Sasha

Lehman Hall 8 Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA, United States

Harvard’s beloved therapy dog, Sasha, will be joining us at the German American Conference 2024! Known for spreading joy and comfort, she’s here to brighten your day and help create […]

Opening Remarks

Harvard Memorial Church | Main Hall 1 Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA, United States

GAC 2024 will kick-off by opening remarks of Dean Jeremy Weinstein, the GAC-Team, and a musical interlude.

Musical Interlude: The Havard-Radcliffe Veritones

We’re thrilled to announce that the Harvard Veritones will be performing at the  Opening Ceremony. This talented acappella group is known for their incredible vocal harmonies and dynamic performances, and […]

Beyond the Ballot: Are Campaigns Fueling Division?

Harvard Memorial Church | Main Hall 1 Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA, United States

The year 2024 has proven to be a super election year, marked by unprecedented political dynamics during the elections in the US, EU, and German states. Campaigns have evolved in […]

Keynote: Restoring Optimism – Pathways to Progress

Harvard Memorial Church | Main Hall 1 Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA, United States

In a remarkable twist of history, November 6, 2024 brought dual waves of political transformation: As Germans woke to news of leadership changes in America, they would end their day […]

Opening Keynote: Zeitenwende – Quo Vadis?

Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Lieutenant General Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart, Commander of the Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin, Poland     PANEL Lieutenant General Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart: Commander of the Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin, […]

The Meritroversy: Does a Merit-Based Higher Education System Work?

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-332 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

This panel explores the societal implications of a merit-based system in the United States and Germany. The idea of meritocracy suggests that individual success is earned solely through talent and […]

Securing the Digital Frontier: Navigating the Future of Cybersecurity

Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

This panel "Securing the Digital Frontier: Navigating the Future of Cybersecurity" delves into emerging threats, the role of public-private partnerships, and the evolving landscape of global cybersecurity policy. Key topics […]

The Turning of the Tides: Interpreting the Zeitenwende

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-436 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

As Germany grapples with its "Zeitenwende," the seismic shift in its defense policy, the pressure is on. Is Germany ready to step up as a major player in transatlantic security, […]

RANGE Workshop: Predicting the German-American Partnership

Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-306 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

In this session, participants will use the Bertelsmann Foundation's RANGE forecasting platform to engage in structured discussions on the future of US-German relations. The workshop will begin with a brief […]

Reporting from the Front Lines: Analyzing the US Election and its Implications

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-330 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

This panel features leading journalists who bring diverse perspectives on the recent U.S. Presidential Election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. With insights shaped by extensive coverage of U.S. politics […]

Meet the European Parliament – A Coffee Conversation

Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-324 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

The European Parliament is crucial in regulating trade, emerging technologies like A.I., or data privacy for its member states and their citizens, but the recent elections have caused a significant […]

What It Takes to Take up a Stance

Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

The panel "What it Takes to Take up a Stance" will explore how companies on both sides of the Atlantic navigate the complex intersection of business and political engagement. The […]

Start Me Up: Does Germany Fail to Spark the Next Tech Revolution?

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-436 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

This panel discusses the differences between the tech ecosystems of Germany and the US, exploring the dynamics that drive innovation in each. With a focus on key areas like funding, […]