Since 1947, we have gathered over 40,000 Fellows from 170 countries for 1,100 sessions – creating spaces where diverse groups of leaders can question assumptions, embrace nuance, and move past fixed ideas.
Our very first session in 1947 brought together over 100 young Europeans and Americans – including survivors of concentration camps, veterans of resistance movements, prisoners of war, and former enemies. They met at Schloss Leopoldskron, an Austrian palace that had been occupied by the Nazis, in a country that was still under Allied military control. They wrestled with how diverse and fractured groups of people could come together and start creating the conditions for peace in the aftermath of World War II.
More than 75 years later, the challenges may be different, but our mission still carries that same founding spirit: To overcome barriers and open up a world of better possibilities.
Across our pillars of Peace & Justice, Education, Health, Culture, and Finance & Governance, we challenge our Fellows to do something simple yet powerful – change the conversation.
We live in an age of polarized voices and reinforced views. Where opinions are strongly held, and alternatives quickly dismissed. Where perspectives become fixed, and possibilities narrow.
And yet, we also live in an age of pressing global issues. Issues that are complex, interconnected, and intractable. Issues that won’t be solved by siloed thinking and unilateral action.
We want to change the conversation on these issues.
To break down the barriers that keep us in our siloes. To gather open-minded leaders for moments of breakthrough. To challenge deeply held assumptions and explore better possibilities.
Because we know that big challenges require open minds. The greater the complexity, the greater the need for collaboration. That lasting change always starts with meaningful dialogue.
In short, we believe in the power and possibility of conversation.
We believe in approaching issues with an open mind. In seeking out divergent voices with differing views. In challenging existing assumptions and ingrained perspectives.
Through our sessions – as well as our special events and our content – we are extending an invitation to leaders of every kind:
To be challenged in their thinking. To be energized in their work. To be part of something bigger.
To change the conversation.