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The 16th German American Conference

November 15-17, 2024 | Cambridge, MA

Be ready to immerse yourself in international affairs, diplomacy, and transatlantic relations. We’re thrilled to invite you for another year of celebrating German-American friendship. Regardless if you’re eager to make an impact on the global stage or are curious about stepping beyond borders, we are your platform to engage in US and German politics, international relations, and forecasts of our planet.

Conflict follows us around the globe spanning from the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, bipartisan division in the US, and the surge of extremist groups across Germany and Europe. Furthermore, combating climate change requires urgent action, and navigating AI in an increasingly connected and technology-focused society has strained cross-border relationships. This is not the time to shy away from silence, but to listen to those left out, treated unfairly, and with a different worldview. Global challenges mandate global solutions, making transatlantic collaboration and communal problem-solving more important than ever.

As always, we also have a dedicated topic for the 2024 conference. Introducing…

HARD CONVERSATIONS

We believe this year’s theme is more relevant than ever! Conflict has become part of our everyday lives, and it’s crucial to keep the conversation going, even when it’s difficult to do so. Our goal is to tackle these hard conversations head-on to prevent further escalation and find common ground.

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2023 Recap

2023 Speakers
Aftermovie
2023 Events

What is the German American Conference?

Unlike your standard conference on international affairs and politics, the German American Conference is organized by students at Harvard Kennedy School.

16th conference

Largest student-led conference on transatlantic relations in the United States

Bringing together a diverse group of 700+ people

Making a difference through dialogue

Why Attend?  

Network with Purpose:

Imagine being in a room with innovators and political and business leaders from various fields and backgrounds. It’s your chance to connect with them, learn from their experiences, and share your own vision. 

Deep Dive into Global Issues:

Our conversations aren’t superficial. We tackle big questions affecting German-American relations and what effects they have globally. We bring a space for open dialogue to challenge your perspectives

Inspiration Around Every Corner:

Our speakers and panelists are here to inspire you. These are the people at the forefront of change, and their stories will motivate you to explore new avenues in your own life and work. Walk away with new ideas, insights, and a broader outlook on what’s happening in the world.

Celebrate Friendships Across Borders: 

We’re all about building bridges and friendships that last. The US and Germany have been friends for a long time. This conference is a testament to this friendship.

The contribution and the impulses achieved by the German American Conference for our bilateral relations cannot be overestimated.
Ursula von der LeyenPresident of the European Commission
Ursula von der Leyen
The German American Conference at Harvard is an outstanding platform to get especially young Germans and US-Americans‎ enthusiastic about the transatlantic friendship between the United States of America and Germany.
Thomas de MaizièreFormer German Federal Minister of Defense
Thomas de Maizière
Yes, the Munich Security Conference is very important, but this is the shining light of the transatlantic relationship.
Ambassador Andreas MichaelisGerman Ambassador to the United States
Ambassador Andreas Michaelis
I really enjoyed the panel discussions with top-level politicians and executives – it is hard to find another conference that is offering so many insiders’ views and open exchanges on topics that define our transatlantic relationship.
Peter KloeppelChief Anchor, RTL Aktuell
Peter Kloeppel

As we’re busy planning the 2024 conference, check out some of our amazing speakers from last year. 

2023 Keynote Speakers

Nicola Beer
Nicola Beer
Vice-President and Member, European Parliament
Hans-Paul Bürkner
Hans-Paul Bürkner
Managing Director & Global Chair Emeritus, Boston Consulting Group
Karen Donfried
Karen Donfried
Senior Fellow, HKS Belfer Center
Alexander Giesecke
Alexander Giesecke
CEO and Founder, simpleclub
Beth McGrath
Beth McGrath
Global Leader for Government and Public Services, Deloitte
Ambassador Andreas Michaelis
Ambassador Andreas Michaelis
German Ambassador to the United States
Mathias Risse
Mathias Risse
Berthold Beitz Professor in Human Rights, Global Affairs and Philosophy, Harvard Kennedy School
Wolfgang Schmidt
Wolfgang Schmidt
Head of the German Federal Chancellery and Federal Minister for Special Tasks
Dr. Oliver Schmolke
Dr. Oliver Schmolke
Vice Chief of Staff, Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany
Nicolai Schork
Nicolai Schork
CEO and Founder, simpleclub
Stefan Wagner
Stefan Wagner
Managing Director, SAP Labs Munich
Discover our full speaker lineup of 2023!

Amidst the pivotal elections, the 2024 edition of the German American Conference is happening at a time when the transatlantic bonds must navigate through unparalleled challenges. Embracing a spirit of unity and mutual respect, we are delighted to extend an invitation to your organization to join us as a supporter. We offer you an opportunity to engage and enrich the transatlantic dialogue, and benefit from meeting with transatlantic leaders and exceptional students from both sides of the Atlantic.

Support the GAC

German American Conference 2024

The largest transatlantic student-led conference in North America

November 15-17, 2024 | Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, MA, USA

Contact: info@germanamericanconference.org

Code of Conduct
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