German American Conference at Harvard 2025

Closing Ceremony
2024-11-17 17:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States

Fishbowl Discussion: Strategic Leadership in a Changing World: Military Perspectives on Global Security
2024-11-17 15:45 - 17:00 | Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-332, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
Join us for an engaging fishbowl discussion on Military Diplomacy and the Transatlantic Security Relationship, where the defense attachés from Germany and Austria in Washington, D.C. will chat directly with conference participants to explore how to address today’s most pressing security challenges behind the scenes. This interactive format fosters open dialogue between participants, offering diverse perspectives on an often overlooked aspect of diplomacy. You can further use this opportunity to ask them and future military officers from the US, Germany, and Austria anything you always wanted to know about the world in camouflage!

SPEAKERS

Major General Norbert Huber: Defense Attaché to the United States, Austrian Embassy Washington, D.C
Rear Admiral Axel Ristau: Defense Attaché to the United States, German Embassy Washington, D.C.
Moderation: Major Philipp Wolf: Jäger Battalion 291, German Army

Building Bridges or Walls? Migration in Germany and the United States
2024-11-17 15:45 - 17:00 | Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 explore the historical and contemporary challenges of migration in both countries. From border security and refugee crises to integration and populism, the discussion will highlight shared challenges, evolving policies, and the impact on national identities, offering insights into the future of migration on both shores of the Atlantic.

SPEAKERS:

Susan M. Akram: Clinical Professor at Boston University School of Law, and director of the International Human Rights clinical program
Prof. Dr. James Hollifield: Ora Nixon Arnold Professor of International Political Economy and Director, Tower Center, Southern Methodist University (SMU)
Martin Klingst: Journalist & Author
Prof. Dr. Günter Krings: Member of the German Bundestag (CDU), Spokesperson of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group on Legal Affairs
Moderation: Victoria Rietig: Head of the Center for Migration, German Council on Foreign Relations

The Final Push or the Final Straw? SDGs After the Election and During COP29
2024-11-17 15:45 - 17:00 | Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-304, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 insights into transatlantic cooperation, funding challenges, and the future of sustainability efforts amid shifting political dynamics.

SPEAKERS:

William Davis: Director, UN Information Center, Washington
W. Robert de Jongh: Managing Director at Deloitte’s Sustainability Strategy and Transformation Practice
Prof Dr. Sabine von Mering: Professor of German and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Brandeis University
Prof. Dr. Wolfram Schlenker: Ray A. Goldberg Professor of the Global Food System, Harvard Kennedy School
W. Robert de Jongh: Managing Director, Sustainability Strategy and Transformation, Deloitte
Moderation: Viktoria Waldenfels: Master in Public Administration Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School

Figuring Out Identity in Rap
2024-11-17 15:45 - 17:00 | Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-330, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 artistic choices, reshaped their approach to their respective crafts, and enhanced the larger hip-hop landscape as a whole. These creatives, either people of color or with immigrant backgrounds, will reflect on growing up in societies where they often felt like outsiders. Through hip-hop – a genre known for its raw vulnerability and realness – they channel their stories, addressing racism, belonging, and the challenges of being part of a cultural minority. This discussion will give attendees a fresh perspective on these important issues by examining them through the lens of music, creativity, and personal expression.

SPEAKERS:

Kelvyn Colt/ Kelvyn Ajala : Artist / Creative Director
Aria Nejati: Head of Hip-Hop GSA, Apple
Prof. Roy Studmire: Assistant Professor, Berklee College of Music
Moderation: Siri Keller: Harvard Kennedy School

The Future Now – Rethinking Mobility
2024-11-17 15:45 - 17:00 | Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-436, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 industry is failing to keep up in innovative speed. In contrast, in Germany, the established industry leads the way in developing new forms of mobility, yet at a much slower pace. New ways of mobility are pioneered by both start-ups and the industry giants. This raises crucial questions: Why does innovation happen so differently across the atlantic? What drives faster and more sustainable change? And what do we need to achieve the future in mobility in both countries? Which policies foster innovative change? Can change at different speeds and ways of innovation coexist? Or is Germany inevitably lagging behind? What are some of the key learnings in terms of innovation and collaboration, with e.g. startups, regulators and investors, in Germany and the USA, and how can they be scaled to other domains?

SPEAKERS:

Mark Fagan: Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
Manfred Grunert: Vice President, Government Affairs and Communications Americas, BMW
Kent Larson:Professor of the Practice, Director of City Science at the MIT Media Lab, and Co-Director of the Norman Foster Institute on Sustainable Cities, MIT
Jim Rowan: Principal, Head of AI, Deloitte
Moderation: Kristin Haynes: Founder & Principal Consultant, Pedal PR

Professional Sports Across the Atlantic
2024-11-17 14:00 - 15:15 | Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-304, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 sustainability and personal fulfillment? To what extent does a country’s Olympic performance reflect its willingness to invest in athletic excellence? Join us for an insightful discussion comparing European and American perspectives on the evolving landscape of professional sports.

SPEAKERS:

Morgane Herculano: Professional Cliff Diver; Research Associate at Harvard Business School
Nike Lorenz: Professional Field Hockey Player (3x Olympian)
Stephan Mayer MdB: Member of the German Bundestag (CSU), Spokesperson of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group for Sports Policy
Moderation: Charlie Pozniak: Master in Public Policy Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School

Workshop: The War for Ukraine – Lessons Learned with Colonel Markus Reisner
2024-11-17 14:00 - 15:15 | Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-306, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
Join us on Day 996 of the war in Ukraine for an insightful event led by Colonel Markus Reisner, a renowned expert in military strategy and international security. With his deep knowledge of modern warfare and dynamic presentation style, Colonel Reisner will guide us through the key developments in the conflict, breaking down complex military strategies and geopolitical shifts. Known for his engaging, data-driven analysis and clear visual presentations, he will offer fresh perspectives on the war’s trajectory and its broader implications. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving conflict and its global impact.
Workshop Speaker:

ObstdG Dr. Markus Reisner, PhD: Head of the Institute for Officer Training at the Theresian Military Academy

Public Entrepreneurship - Private Ideas for Public Value
2024-11-17 14:00 - 15:15 | Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-330, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 are pioneering new approaches to these complex issues. Through public entrepreneurship, they are pushing the boundaries of innovation, reshaping public institutions, and crafting solutions that meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. Join us as we explore how public entrepreneurship is driving impactful change, and the challenges these leaders face in building a more dynamic and inclusive public sector.

SPEAKERS:

Sebastian Berns: Challenge Officer, SPRIND – Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation
Boris von Chlebowski: Member of the Management Board at Accenture
Katharina Ramsauer: Public Sector Lead, Edgeless Systems
Moderation: Zoe Durbin: Strategic Engagement Manager at Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Middle East Event: October 7th and the Consequences - A German, American Perspective
2024-11-17 14:00 - 15:15 | Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
This panel will explore the Israel-Palestine conflict’s latest escalation since October 7th, 2023, when Hamas launched a major attack on Israel, sparking a severe military response. The resulting humanitarian crisis in Gaza has led to widespread casualties and severe shortages of essential supplies, drawing international concern. Following Dr. Benedikt Franke’s introductory keynote on current developments in the Middle East conflict and its geopolitical dimensions, he will join our panel of experts to examine the conflict’s broader implications for regional stability, the role of international diplomacy, and potential pathways to mitigate the crisis and achieve a sustainable resolution. The discussion will examine the challenges faced by key players, particularly the U.S. and Germany.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dr. Benedikt Franke: Vice-Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Munich Security Conference

PANEL

Michael Bewerunge: Bureau Chief Vienna/Southeast Europe at ZDF; Former Studio Head in Tel Aviv, Israel

Dr. Benedikt Franke: Vice-Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Munich Security Conference
Prof. Dr. Mathias Risse: Director Center for Human Rights, Harvard Kennedy School
Moderation: Prof. Lenore Martin: Associate of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University and Professor of Political Science at Emmanuel College

Basel, Berlin, Boston – How to Foster Innovation in Biotech?
2024-11-17 14:00 - 15:15 | Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-436, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 biomedical research. This includes investigating investment climates, regulatory frameworks, and cultural attitudes toward entrepreneurship and risk. The discussion will also explore strategic actions necessary to strengthen the European pharmaceutical industry, addressing challenges and opportunities for collaboration in the global market. Insights from industry leaders will contribute to a deeper understanding of the future of pharmaceutical innovation in Europe and the US.

SPEAKERS:

Prof. Dr. Isabell Welpe: Professor and Chair of the Strategy and Organization Group at the Technical University of Munich
Ramon Zapata: CFO Biomedical Research, Novartis
Sebastian Zirfas: Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Pfizer Pharma
Moderation: Mridul Agrawal, M.D.: CEO & Co-Founder, iuvando Health

Climate Activism: Effective Advocacy or Polarizing Force?
2024-11-17 14:00 - 15:15 | Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-332, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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. With increasing urgency to address climate change, the role of activism has become a contentious topic. Are the strategies employed by climate activists fostering constructive dialogue and action, or are they deepening divides within and between communities.

SPEAKERS:

Intro: Luisa Neubauer: Climate Activist
Tristan A. Foerster: CEO Climate Partners LLC
Jonas Meckling: Associate Professor at the University of California, Berkeley; Climate Fellow at Harvard Business School
Iris Zhan: Climate Activist
Moderation: Natalie Whitesel: Master in Public Policy Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School

75 years of the Basic Law – from the Frankfurt Constitution to unity, justice and freedom
2024-11-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
KEYNOTE SPEAKER

President Prof. Dr. Stephan Harbarth, LL.M. (Yale), President of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany
Moderation: Prof. Dr. Mathias Risse: Director Center for Human Rights, Harvard Kennedy School

Workshop: Enabling Growth with AI
2024-11-17 10:15 - 11:30 | Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner G-02, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 American Conference, you will gain an exclusive insight into what you can expect in consulting at the world’s leading strategy consultancy and find out how we are driving GenAI forward in the Group during our case workshop.
Immerse yourself in one of our GenAI projects and take on the challenge of developing a case workshop on the topic of “Enabling Growth with GenAI” together with BCG employees.

Application deadline: November 10, 2024
Submit your application HERE

Workshop: Start From Scratch - How to Build a Startup
2024-11-17 10:15 - 11:30 | Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-306, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 pressure. The workshop will culminate in a pitch session judged by the jury, with feedback to guide participants on how to improve.

SPEAKERS:

Simon Brendel: Independent Startup Advisor
Zeno Fox: Program Fellow Baby VC, Nucleate and CDTM
Stephanie Oestreich: Managing Director, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
Moderation: Cecile Meier-Scherling: Computational Biology PhD Student at Brown University

AI 2030: Shaping the Next Decade of Innovation
2024-11-17 10:15 - 11:30 | Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-330, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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. Panelists will examine the critical infrastructure needed to support emerging trends, identify current bottlenecks, and discuss what’s required to unlock the full potential of AI. The conversation will also address how the rise of open-source models impacts innovation and competitiveness between regions like Germany and the US, and how national approaches to AI safety are influencing the path to trustworthy AI by 2030. Looking forward, the panel will envision the most significant technical breakthroughs in AI and reflect on how these advancements will transform industries and society on a global scale. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on the future of AI technology and its potential to redefine our world.

SPEAKERS:

Alan Aqrawi: Manager/Director Responsible AI, Accenture
Dr. Andreas Liebl: Managing Director, appliedAI Institute for Europe GmbH
Clemens Rawert: Cofounder, Langfuse
Katharina Lix: Head of AI Products & Strategy, QuantCo
Moderation: Greta Buschhaus: Journalist and Moderator

Back to the Future? - Perils and prospects for the Automotive Industry - a transatlantic lens
2024-11-17 10:15 - 11:30 | Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
In “Back to the Future? – Perils and prospects for the Automotive Industry – a transatlantic lens”, Cathryn Clüver-Ashbrook, a leading transatlantic policy expert, will moderate the discussion between Hildegard Müller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, and Elaine Buckberg, former Chief Economist at General Motors and Senior Fellow at the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard. As the automotive industry faces mounting challenges such as the shift towards electrification, supply chain disruptions, and evolving regulatory environments, Müller and Buckberg will share insights into the opportunities and risks for manufacturers on both sides of the Atlantic. Together, they will explore how companies are navigating these transformations, the role of innovation in shaping the future of mobility, and what a sustainable and competitive automotive industry might look like in the coming decade. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on how transatlantic collaboration and competition will define the future of one of the world’s most pivotal industries.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Hildegard Müller: President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry

PANEL

Dr. Elaine Buckberg: Senior Fellow at Harvard University’s Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability
Hildegard Müller: President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)
Moderation: Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook: Executive Vice President/Senior Adviser, Bertelsmann Foundation

Keynote: Transatlantic Partnership in the 21st Century – Regional Cooperation in Geopolitically Challenging Times
2024-11-17 09:00 - 10:00 | Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
Dr. Danyal Bayaz currently serves as the Minister of Finance for the State of Baden-Württemberg, where he leads efforts on sustainable financial policy and economic innovation. With a background in consulting and expertise in private equity, he is actively shaping the financial landscape in Germany. Dr. Bayaz has a strong transatlantic connection, having been a Fulbright Scholar at Cornell University, where he conducted research on venture capital, and is a member of the Atlantik-Brücke, fostering German-American relations.

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Danyal Bayaz: Minister of Finance, Baden-Württemberg
Moderation: Prof. Dr. Mathias Risse: Director Center for Human Rights, Harvard Kennedy School

GAC Reception
2024-11-16 19:00 - 23:30 | The View, Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston St Floor 52, Boston, MA, 02199, United States

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: German / EU Digital Sovereignty After US Elections
2024-11-16 16:15 - 17:30 | Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-436, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
As data becomes the new oil of the 21st century, Europe and the United States face crucial decisions about digital independence and technological self-determination. This panel explores how both sides of the Atlantic can maintain digital sovereignty while preserving their strategic partnership. Leading experts from government, industry, and academia will discuss critical questions: How can Western democracies ensure control over their digital infrastructure without fragmenting the global internet? What role should public-private partnerships play in developing sovereign cloud solutions and AI capabilities?
The discussion will address the delicate balance between innovation and regulation, examining how transatlantic partners can build technological capabilities while upholding democratic values and data protection standards. Panelists will explore concrete strategies for reducing technological dependencies, fostering domestic expertise, and strengthening the Western digital economy in an era of increasing geopolitical competition.

SPEAKERS:

Marie-Astrid Langer: US-Foreign Correspondent in Silicon Valley, NZZ
Katharina Ramsauer: Public Sector Lead, Edgeless Systems
Bruce Schneier: Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy, HKS and Fellow of the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society
Moderation: Slavina Ancheva: Master in Public Policy Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School

Re-arming and Re-building: Navigating Modern Defense Challenges
2024-11-16 16:15 - 17:30 | Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-332, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 conflict. In this panel, we will hear from a diverse set of voices in the defense industry, politics, the military, and academia what they perceive as the biggest challenges in implementing the “Zeitenwende” – and discuss ways to overcome them.
SPEAKERS:

Thomas Erndl: Deputy Chair Foreign Affairs Committee, German Bundestag, CDU/CSU
Dr. Elisabeth Hauschild: Senior Vice President / Head of Governmental Affairs, Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG
Eric Rosenbach: Senior Lecturer and Director of the Defense, Emerging Technology, and Strategy Program, Belfer Center at Harvard Kennedy School
Sven Weizenegger: Head of Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub
Lieutenant Colonel Hekja Marlen Werner: Commander, Armored Artillery Battalion 375, Bundeswehr; first female battalion commander in the Bundeswehr
Moderation: Marshall Reid: ​​Senior Manager, US-EU-Asia Dynamics, Bertelsmann Foundation

Powering Progress: Industrial Solutions for a Clean Energy Future
2024-11-16 16:15 - 17:30 | Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-330, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 the world’s leading economies, the U.S. and Germany play pivotal roles in the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions. The discussion will delve into how each country is leveraging its industrial capabilities to develop and implement clean energy technologies, from renewable energy sources and energy storage to grid modernization and efficiency improvement, with leading experts from both sides of the Atlantic.

SPEAKERS:

Meredith Berger: Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Energy, Installations, and Environment)/Chief Sustainability Officer
Dr. Ingmar Ritzenhofen: Chief Financial Officer, RWE Clean Energy
Stefan Schlosser: Managing Director, Deutscher Verband für Negative Emissionen (DVNE)
Florian Sturm: Renewable Energy Portfolio Lead, Shell
Moderation: Christine Jiang: Master in Public Policy Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School

How to Become a Politician
2024-11-16 16:15 - 17:30 | Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-304, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 since 2024; and Wiebke Winter, co-founder of KlimaUnion and one of Germany’s youngest political leaders, to discuss the pathways to a career in politics. Schorer-Dremel, with her extensive experience in Bavarian politics, Cremer, with his recent entry into the European Parliament, and Winter, with her leadership in climate advocacy, will share their personal experiences, the challenges they faced, and the skills necessary to succeed in the political arena. The conversation will cover how to navigate party structures, build a public profile, and advocate for meaningful change. Whether you’re considering entering politics or are simply curious about what it takes to influence policy, join us for an inspiring discussion on what it truly means to step into the political spotlight and shape the future.

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Tobias Cremer: Member of the European Parliament (SPD)
Tanja Schorer-Dremel: Member of the State Parliament of Bavaria, Deputy General Secretary of the CSU
Moderation: Victoria Reichelt: Journalist and Moderator of “DIE DA OBEN”

Navigating Digitization in the Public Sector: Insights From Health and Education
2024-11-16 16:15 - 17:30 | Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 of digital solutions such as Artificial Intelligence in these sectors, highlight the regulatory challenges, outline strategies for overcoming barriers, and show how to get stakeholders on board to pave the way for a more responsive and future-ready public sector. In this panel discussion, two leading experts, Prof. Dr. Sascha Spoun, President of Leuphana University Lüneburg, and Prof. Dr. Lothar H. Wieler, Chair for Digital Global Public Health at the Hasso Plattner Institute and former President of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), will explore these challenges in depth. They will examine the role of new digital technologies, such as AI, while shedding light on how institutions can adapt to these changes, the responsibilities they bear, and the innovative strategies needed to ensure that digitalization serves to enhance rather than compromise the values of education and health.

SPEAKERS:

Prof. Dr. Sascha Spoun: President, Leuphana University Lüneburg
Prof. Dr. Dr. Lothar H. Wieler: Chair for Digital Global Public Health at the Hasso Plattner Institute; Former President of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI)
Moderation: Kirsten Rulf: Partner and Associate Director, Boston Consulting Group

Transatlantic Leadership - A Fireside Chat on Leading International Organizations
2024-11-16 14:35 - 15:50 | Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-304, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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: Managing Director MSD Germany, MSD Sharp & Dohme GmbH
Moderation: Christine Jiang: Master in Public Policy Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School

Workshop: Internationalization of Medical Education – Sustainable Ideas to Support Science Diplomacy to Improve Health for All
2024-11-16 14:35 - 15:50 | Harvard Kennedy School | Rubenstein R-306, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
This workshop addresses the critical need to internationalize medical education in response to an increasingly interconnected and globalized world. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the necessity for health professionals to view themselves as part of a global medical community, equipped to tackle collective challenges that transcend borders. Participants explore the foundational frameworks of Internationalization of Medical Education (IoME), including the market, social transformation, and liberal models that shape global educational strategies. The session also introduces the concept of Medical Science Diplomacy, which merges humanitarian values with global health policy, positioning students as ambassadors for international collaboration and cultural understanding. Through interactive discussions, the workshop aims to develop sustainable models for integrating global perspectives into medical education, fostering a new generation of health professionals equipped to drive global health outcomes and collaborative partnerships.

SPEAKERS:

Jan Lüdert, PhD: German Center for Research and Innovation, New York, NY
Anette Wu (Fortgang), MD, MPH, PhD: Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY

Workshop: How to Have Hard Conversations and Happiness - The Art of Disagreement
2024-11-16 14:35 - 15:50 | Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner G-02, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
In today’s increasingly polarized world, we struggle to have hard conversations. This workshop will first take participants back in time and explore how the Enlightenment ushered in a “persuasion revolution”, whereby ideas with which one disagreed could be tolerated (and even celebrated!) for, arguably, the first time ever. Then, it will return to the modern day and present compelling neuropsychology about why disagreement feels terrible, and thus a threat. But when we approach hard conversations with humility (for our views) and curiosity (for others’ views), disagreement can suddenly turn exciting, and thus an adventure. Participants will leave this session equipped with a framework to transform contentious, threatening discussions into valuable, adventurous ones—which might just work to heal a culture beset by contempt for “the other side”.
SPEAKERS:

Bryce Fuemmeler: Senior Research Associate, Leadership & Happiness Laboratory, Harvard Kennedy School

Economic Power Plays: Geoeconomics in a Shifting Global Order
2024-11-16 14:35 - 15:50 | Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-332, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 influence and achieve political objectives. As economic tools increasingly function as extensions of statecraft, our panelists will examine the implications for global trade, security, and diplomacy, with a particular focus on the roles of the U.S., Europe, and China, and the resulting impact on Germany as an export nation.

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Elaine Buckberg: Senior Fellow, Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University; Former Chief Economist of General Motors
Dr. Werner Hoyer: President of the Institute for European Policies; Former President of the European Investment Bank
Peter S. Rashish: Vice President and Director, Geoeconomics Program, American-German Institute – Johns Hopkins University
Melanie Vogelbach: Managing Director International Economic Policy, German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK)
Moderation: Benjamin Bidder: Journalist, Der Spiegel; Nieman Fellow ‘25 at Harvard University

Security in Crisis: Ukraine, Russia, and the Battle for the Future of Europe
2024-11-16 14:35 - 15:50 | Harvard Kennedy School | LITTAUER L-145, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 the region and the far-reaching consequences for global security. Can NATO and transatlantic allies prevent Europe from spiraling deeper into chaos, or is Russia’s aggression an unstoppable force? As the war drags on, this discussion probes the uncomfortable realities of European political decisions and U.S. strategic interests. Will peace emerge, or are we staring down the barrel of a prolonged conflict?

SPEAKERS:

Kristine Berzina: Managing Director, Geostrategy North, The German Marshall Fund of the United States
Dr. Tobias Cremer: Member of the European Parliament
Nico Lange: Political Advisor; Former Chief of Staff at the German Federal Ministry of Defense
ObstdG Dr. Markus Reisner, Ph.D.: Head of the Institute for Officer Training at the Theresian Military Academy
Moderation: Bjoern Steffen Hoyme: Lieutenant Colonel, NATO HQ JSEC / German Army

Remembrance and Reflections: Navigating Collective Memory in Germany and the U.S.
2024-11-16 14:35 - 15:50 | Harvard Kennedy School | Wexner W-436, 79 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA, 02138, 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 the U.S. focuses on events such as the Civil War and civil rights movements, often highlighting progress and patriotism. In the panel “”Remembering the Past in the Present – A Transatlantic Comparison”” at the German American Conference, we wish to investigate the differences in Remembrance culture and its societal implications in the USA and Germany.

SPEAKERS:

Dr. Gloria Ayee: Senior Fellow and Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
Dr. Sonja Kreibich: Consul General of Germany to the New England States
Veronika Nahm: Director, Anne Frank Center, Berlin
Joel Obermayer: Founder and Executive Director, Widen the Circle
Moderation: Johanna Roth: U.S. Correspondent, ZEIT Online
