We live in a world, deeply interconnected, highly complex and dynamic. Looking at some of the drivers of change, we are faced with deepening disparities and a growing fragmented discourse, which altogether are putting democracies under pressure. In consequence, the importance of fostering exchange and mutual understanding cannot be overstated.

The American Swiss Foundation Young Leaders Conference 2023 stands as an example of bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in thought-provoking conversations, share insights, and build relations as a means to shaping the next generation of leaders.

The American Swiss Foundation: A Legacy of Dialogue

Founded in 1945, the American Swiss Foundation (ASF) has a rich history of promoting exchange and collaboration between the United States and Switzerland. The organisation has played a pivotal role in cultivating strong ties between the two nations – the sister republics – fostering a spirit of cooperation across various fields. At the heart of the ASF’s initiatives is the Young Leaders Conference (YLC), an annual gathering that brings together talented individuals from diverse fields such as government, business, media, diplomacy and academia. The conference serves as a platform to exchange ideas thereby developing a joint understanding of the common challenges of this century.

Diverse Themes and Relationship Building

The 2023 YLC addressed a wide array of topics that are central to the current global discourse. How to make the world more resilient? How to build trust? How to overcome social divides and reunite nations?

From deep-dives on (re-)insurance matters and how these will further develop in a context of social inflation, to the understanding that coping with climate change requiring a concerted effort of technological advance as well as policy making, and the success factors of Switzerland’s dual-track education system – the themes and topics covered could not be more diverse. And beyond, the programme held its promise for further stimulating inputs: a tour of Parliament hosted by The Hon. Christa Markwalder, a fireside chat with On co-founder Caspar Coppetti, a tour of Pilaturs Aircraft Facility, and and a culinary workshop at K2 Fine Dining Restaurant.

On Wednesday afternoon, the 2023 YLC class also visited ETH Zürich which stands on a bedrock of true Swiss values: freedom and individual responsibility, entrepreneurial spirit and open-mindedness. ETH dates back to 1855, and today even more, a big deal is about promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. The excursion was completed with presentations by ETH Pioneer Fellows.

The promise of lasting impact

At the beginning, the week felt as an eternity in time span. Eventually, it had passed as quickly as a blink of an eyelash, mainly because the format pushes for new perspectives and encourages active participation, empowering to engage in an ongoing global conversation. What remains are fond memories and the believe for that the 2023 class has managed to build bridges that last, supporting the emerging leaders to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

On 30 June 2023, the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF) and ETH Zurich hosted an event in the Student Project House at ETH Zurich. Around 40 participants from business, diplomacy and science were given exciting insights into teaching evolutions and current start-ups at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH).

Christophe Gence, Member of ETH Circle and Vice-Chairman of the Swiss Committee of the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCEF), welcomed as ETH Ambassador General Consul of France Alain Sterbik, Gilles Bordes, Head of the economic department of the French Embassy in Berne, and guests. Christophe pointed out that the exchange between business and science is an important factor in the promotion and implementation of innovations.

In his keynote speech, Professor Dr. Günther Dissertori, Rector of ETH Zurich, gave an overview into the development of the university and how it maintains its leading position in Switzerland and abroad. In addition, Katarina Hruba, Senior Manager Strategic Foresight, presented the future of universities. Lucie Rejman, Head of the Student Project House, and Geoffrey Besnier, Innovation Catalyst, gave an overview into the Student Project House creativity and makerspace, which is open to all ETH students and offers them the unique opportunity to look beyond the confines of their own degree programme and explore new paths. With this initiative, ETH Zurich has created an open platform for the exchange of ideas between students of all disciplines.