Schedule

Note: Event times and speaker lineups are subject to change

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, […]

Red Flag(s) Ahead – Germany’s China Ties and Their Security Implications

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

This panel delves into Germany’s deep connections with China, assessing the significant security implications that could arise if tensions between China and the U.S. or its neighbors escalate. With Germany […]

Workshop: Enabling Growth with AI

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner G-02 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Do you want to work together with exciting individuals on the really important issues of our time? Then our workshop is the right place for you.As part of the German […]

Keynote: State of the Industry on (Gen)AI – How to Create Real Impact

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

In recent years, we have witnessed an unprecedented wave of data, analytics, and (generative) AI opportunities and concepts emerging across industries. Many companies are now progressing into a second phase, […]

What’s Next in AI Policy – The EU AI Act and Beyond

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

The panel "What’s Next in AI Policy: The EU AI Act and Beyond" will delve into the evolving landscape of AI regulation and its impact on innovation and entrepreneurship. The […]

Remembrance and Reflections: Navigating Collective Memory in Germany and the U.S.

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

Germany and the USA have distinct approaches to Remembrance, influenced by their histories. Germany’s remembrance is centered on the Holocaust and Nazi crimes, promoting collective responsibility and counteracting extremism, while […]

Security in Crisis: Ukraine, Russia, and the Battle for the Future of Europe

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

The Ukraine war has shattered Europe’s post-Cold War security order—but what comes next? This gripping panel cuts straight to the heart of the conflict, diving into the military strategies reshaping […]

Economic Power Plays: Geoeconomics in a Shifting Global Order

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

In an interconnected world, economics and geopolitics are more intertwined than ever. This panel on geoeconomics will explore how nations employ financial strategies, resource control, and technological advancements to project […]

Transatlantic Leadership – A Fireside Chat on Leading International Organizations

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

Leading large organizations across boundaries involves manifold challenges. This fire-side chat will explore insights and experiences on leadership in companies in the U.S., Asia and Europe.   SPEAKERS: Kevin Peters: […]

How to Become a Politician

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

The panel "How to Become a Politician" brings together Tanja Schorer-Dremel, Member of the State Parliament of Bavaria (CSU); Dr. Tobias Cremer, German politician and Member of the European Parliament […]

Navigating Digitization in the Public Sector: Insights From Health and Education

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

As digitalization reshapes the public sector, leaders in health and education are at the forefront of implementing changes that meet modern societal needs. This panel will explore the transformative potential […]

Powering Progress: Industrial Solutions for a Clean Energy Future

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

This panel explores the industrial strategies and innovations that are shaping the transition to a clean energy future in the industrial sector in the U.S. and Germany. As two of […]

Re-arming and Re-building: Navigating Modern Defense Challenges

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

What are the practical challenges with quickly building up a nation's military capabilities? After decades of stability operations abroad, both the US and Germany are now preparing for a peer-to-peer […]

GAC Reception

The View, Prudential Tower 800 Boylston St Floor 52, Boston, MA, United States

AI 2030: Shaping the Next Decade of Innovation

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

The panel "AI 2030: Technological Trends and Infrastructure for the Next Wave of Innovation" will explore the key technological developments poised to shape the next six years of AI advancement. […]

Workshop: Start From Scratch – How to Build a Startup

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

The workshop is designed to introduce participants to essential entrepreneurship concepts in an engaging and hands-on way. It aims to encourage creativity, teamwork, and the ability to thrive under time […]

Workshop: Enabling Growth with AI

Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner G-02 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, United States

Do you want to work together with exciting individuals on the really important issues of our time? Then our workshop is the right place for you.As part of the German […]

Climate Activism: Effective Advocacy or Polarizing Force?

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

This panel will explore the impact of climate activism on both sides of the Atlantic, examining whether it is effectively driving policy changes and public awareness or contributing to societal polarization. […]

Basel, Berlin, Boston – How to Foster Innovation in Biotech?

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

This panel will examine the factors contributing to the disparity in pharmaceutical innovation between the USA and Europe, as well as the factors facilitating the construction of excellence clusters in […]

Public Entrepreneurship – Private Ideas for Public Value

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

In both the United States and Germany, public sector leaders are facing unprecedented challenges, from economic inequality to climate change and digital transformation. This panel brings together prominent voices who […]

Professional Sports Across the Atlantic

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

Our distinguished speakers will address key questions: To which extent sports can be considered a mirror of a society’s competitive spirit? Are we seeing a shift from performance-driven athletics toward […]

The Future Now – Rethinking Mobility

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

AI is disrupting the way we move, in the air and on the roads. In the US, disruptive technologies for mobility originate from the non-mobility industry and pioneering startups. The traditional […]

Figuring Out Identity in Rap

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

This Fireside Chat brings together professionals from different areas of the hip-hop music scene and aims to facilitate a conversation that will explore how their multicultural backgrounds have influenced their […]

The Final Push or the Final Straw? SDGs After the Election and During COP29

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

As the deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approaches, this panel will examine the impact of the US election and COP29 on global progress. Attendees will gain crucial […]

Building Bridges or Walls? Migration in Germany and the United States

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

Migration has shaped the histories and identities of both Germany and the United States. Despite different historical contexts, both nations face ongoing debates over immigration and integration. This panel will […]

Closing Ceremony

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