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Dr. Stormy Mildner named G20 Co-Chair
Aspen Institute Germany Executive Director Dr. Stormy-Annika Mildner has been appointed co-chair of the Working Group on Multilateralism and Multilateral Cooperation within The New Alignment, a new hub for policy advice to the G20. The group brings together experts from across the G20 to examine how effective multilateral cooperation can be strengthened amid growing geopolitical fragmentation and to develop practical recommendations for G20 policy makers.
Find more information here.
Leadership Seminar Experience in India
How can human responsibility remain at the heart of decision-making in the age of AI? At the Global Changemaker Workshop in Hyderabad, Tom Brüntrup, Aspen Germany alumnus and member of the Friends of the Aspen Institute, joined 20 young changemakers from 15 countries to explore the opportunities and risks of AI, global dependencies, and responsible AI-supported decision-making. In his reflection, he shares his key takeaways.
Find more information here.
New Project: “Turning Digital Ambition into Competitiveness: A Trilateral EU Futures Initiative on Competitiveness”
Despite a strong innovation base, the EU continues struggling to scale innovation and translate technological advances into economic growth. Therefore, Aspen Germany is excited to launch the new project “Turning Digital Ambition into Competitiveness: A Trilateral EU Futures Initiative on Competitiveness”. The project will bring together 24 decision makers from Germany, Italy, and Poland for a structured foresight process to explore how innovation can strengthen the EU’s digital competitiveness. Find more information here.
Aspen Leadership Experience in Annency
What makes Aspen Leadership Seminars so memorable? Aspen Germany’s Mareike Hadler joined the Aspen France Executive Leadership Seminar in Annecy for two and a half days of exploring the future of governance through readings from Plato to Hannah Arendt, guided by Todd Breyfogle. Open debates, a spontaneous staging of Antigone, and conversations beyond the seminar created an experience that continues to resonate – leaving fresh perspectives and new questions rather than ready answers.
Find more information here.
Global Meeting for Youth and Sports
Sport can strengthen social cohesion, build trust, and promote healthy communities, but access to sport remains unequal and insufficient. Project Play, an initiative of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, is working to change this. In November, Aspen partners from around the world will gather in New York for the first Project Play Global Meeting hosted by Aspen Institute México to explore how children’s rights can help build stronger, more inclusive sport systems.
Find more information here.
Digital Defenders Cohort 2026/27
Disinformation and foreign information manipulation are reshaping democratic discourse at a pace that institutions struggle to match. Digital Defenders is Aspen Germany’s response to this challenge. Bringing together 18 influencers and content creators from Germany, Central and Eastern Europe, and the United States, the first cohort will spend the coming months exploring the many facets of disinformation and discussing ways to strengthen democratic resilience on social media.
Find more information here.
Aspen Germany Leadership Advisory Council
Leadership matters most in times of uncertainty. As societies and organizations navigate increasing geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, social polarization, and growing expectations for responsible decision-making, the need for principled, values-based leadership has never been greater. Today’s leaders are called upon not only to deliver results but also to demonstrate integrity, foster trust, build inclusive communities, and act with courage in the face of complexity.
Find more information here.
Work at the Aspen Institute Germany
Curious about the ideas shaping transatlantic relations, global politics, and Europe’s future? Join the Aspen Institute Germany and become part of a team that brings together leaders, experts, and change-makers to tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges. We are currently hiring across Trade, Technology & Geopolitics, Leadership, Public Programs, Digital Policy, Finance, and more.
See all current job openings here.
Global Funds Projects and Partners 2026
Addressing today’s geopolitical challenges requires close international cooperation – and the Aspen network of Aspen International Partners is responding with a new generation of joint projects. Supported by the Aspen Global Fund, Aspen Germany leads Connecting Futures and contributes to two additional initiatives with Aspen Romania and Aspen Institute Italia, strengthening collaboration across Aspen Europe within the global Aspen community.
Find more information here.
Looking Back 2026
The political summer break may be beginning, but Aspen Germany is already looking ahead. The second half of the year will bring new transatlantic delegation programs, fresh opportunities for international exchange, and many more highlights. Aspen Germany looks forward to continuing to strengthen dialogue, collaboration, and transatlantic partnerships in the second half of 2026.
Find more information here.
Outlook: Fall and Winter 2026
As we head into the second half of 2026, Aspen Germany looks back on a successful first half of the year filled with inspiring discussions, international exchanges, and new partnerships. From the German-American Trade and Tech Conference to delegation programs Aspen Germany’s work has continued to strengthen transatlantic dialogue and collaborative leadership.
Find more information here.
Aspen Institute Italia: Leadership Seminar
Aspen Germany member Robin Arens participated in this year’s Aspen Institute Italia Leadership Seminar, held in April under the theme “(de-)Globalization and the Quest for Common Values.” Over the course of four days, emerging leaders from six countries came together to discuss today’s geopolitical challenges and some of the fundamental questions shaping today’s world. Below, Robin shares his personal reflections and experiences from the seminar.
Read Robin Arens’ reflexions here.
Aspen Germany Management Board
As the international landscape continues to evolve, Aspen Institute Germany remains committed to its mission of fostering transatlantic dialogue, strengthening democratic resilience, and bringing together leaders from politics, business, academia, media, and civil society to address shared challenges. This year’s Annual General Meeting offered an opportunity to reflect on the Institute’s progress, discuss its strategic priorities, and reaffirm the strong leadership that guides its work.
Find out more here.
Preview Aspen Ideas Festival and Aspen Security Forum
In a period marked by geopolitical uncertainty, technological transformation, and growing pressure on democratic institutions, questions of democratic governance, international cooperation, and strategic leadership have gained renewed urgency. Against this backdrop, Aspen, Colorado, will host two of the Aspen Institute’s flagship convenings in summer 2026: the Aspen Ideas Festival (June 25–July 1) and the Aspen Security Forum (July 14–17).
Find out more here.
Subnational Policy Dialogue: Discover Germany & Berlin Freedom Week
As part of the Subnational Policy Dialogue: Discover Germany & Berlin Freedom Week program, two delegation trips will bring U.S. decision-makers to Germany. The program focuses on transatlantic cooperation, security, business, and democratic resilience.
Find out more here.
Aspen International Partners Workshop “SparkLab 2026″
At this year’s Aspen International Partners Workshop, “SparkLab 2026,” held June 5–7, 2026, in London, representatives from twelve international Aspen Institutes gathered to exchange ideas on program design, organizational development, and best practices. The focus was on mutual learning and strengthening the shared network. Aspen Germany’s Office and Communications Manager, Julia Kliemann, had the opportunity to participate in this year’s workshop.
Find out more here.
Call for Applications: Digital Defenders
Applications for the inaugural cohort of our Digital Defenders project are now open. Aspen Germany welcomes influencers and content creators from Central and Eastern Europe, Germany, and the United States who are interested in contributing to a more informed and resilient digital public sphere.
Find out more here.
The State of Social Cohesion – Social justice and social participation in Berlin, Mexico City, Nairobi & New Delhi
As part of the Future Cities Go Glocal project, two online panel discussions explored the role of cities in global cooperation and democratic participation. The event was held in partnership with Aspen Institute Mexico, Aspen Initiative Nairobi, and Ananta Aspen Centre Delhi.
Find out more here.
New Project: “Digital Defenders: Influencers for Digital Democracy”
The Aspen Institute Germany is excited to announce the launch of “Digital Defenders: Influencers for Digital Democracy”. The two-year project will bring together motivated digital voices to strengthen democratic resilience where it is most challenged: online.
Find out more here.
Bloomberg Cities Lab
Bloomberg CityLab 2026, hosted by The Aspen Institute (U.S.) and Bloomberg Philanthropies, took place in Madrid from April 27–29, convening over 1,000 mayors, policy makers, and urban innovators.
Find out more here.
International Committee Meeting
At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, international dialogue and cooperation are more important than ever. To mark its 15th anniversary, Aspen Institute España hosted the Spring International Committee Meeting of the Aspen Institute’s International Partners.
Find out more here.
Leadership Seminar by Aspen Institute Romania
What does responsible leadership look like in times of growing uncertainty and political tension? These questions were at the heart of the Aspen Seminar for Leaders in Sibiu, organized by Aspen Institute Romania in March 2026. Among the participants was Aspen Institute Germany Program Officer Ferdinand Eimler.
Find out more here.
RESET Cohort Announced
Aspen Institute Germany is delighted to announce the first RESET cohort – Reimagining the Transatlantic Future: Strategic Exchange for Political Youth from the Heartlands to the Hinterlands.
Find out more here.
Connecting Futures: Call for Applications from the Western Balkans, Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine
We are looking for 20 young media professionals, influencers, and content creators for our new initiative.
Raisina Dialogue 2026
At a time of rapidly changing geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics, international dialogue across regions and perspectives is becoming increasingly important. Strategic competition has intensified, economic interdependence is increasingly viewed through the lens of security, and many of the assumptions that shaped globalization in recent decades are being reassessed.
Find out more here
Aspen’s Global Network: International Partners Impact Report 2025
The Aspen Institute’s global network continues to grow, connect, and inspire. The newly released International Partners Impact Report 2025 highlights a year of dynamic collaboration across continents and underscores the important role Aspen’s international partners play in advancing dialogue and leadership in an increasingly complex world.
Find out more here
Socrates Seminar 2026
In October 2026, the Socrates Seminar will once again bring together an international group of participants for rigorous dialogue on questions of enduring importance.
Find out more here
Aspen Germany MSC 2026 Recap
Follow the link to read the main take-aways both from the conferences and Aspen Germany’s side events.
Find out more here
Aspen Germany in the Media
The Aspen Institute Germany regularly contributes to national and international media discussions on pressing political, economic, and societal challenges. Through interviews, opinion pieces, expert commentary, and coverage of our public events, we bring evidence-based analysis and transatlantic perspectives into broader public discourse.
Find out more about our presence in the media under Media.
New Project: “Connecting Futures: Information Integrity in Europe’s Next Decade”
In 2026, the Aspen Institute Germany will expand its activities in the EU enlargement region with a new project, funded by the Global Fund of the Aspen Institute International Partners.
Aspen Germany at the MSC and MCSC 2026
In 2026, the Aspen Institute Germany once again serves as an Institutional Partner of the Munich Cyber Security Conference (MCSC), reaffirming its long-standing commitment to advancing international dialogue on cyber and information security.
Continuation of the Digital Dish Series
Aspen Germany is pleased to be able to continue the popular Digital Dish event series in 2026. In cooperation with Telefónica Germany, Aspen Germany will bring together leading decision and opinion makers from industry, government, and civil society to address pressing digital policy issues. In three separate panel discussions key challenges of digitalization will be discussed amongst the participants and panelists.
Looking Ahead: Aspen Germany in 2026
2026 opens in a moment of extraordinary global turbulence. In this complex environment, we need spaces where rigorous analysis, constructive exchange, and long-term thinking remain possible.
This is precisely where the Aspen Institute Germany comes in.
New Project and Call for Applications: RESET – Reimagining the Transatlantic Future
The Aspen Institute Germany is excited to announce the launch of RESET – Reimagining the Transatlantic Future: Strategic Exchange for Political Youth from the Heartlands to the Hinterlands.
Announcement of the fourth cohort of the U.S.-German Forum Future Agriculture
The U.S.-German Forum Future Agriculture promotes transatlantic dialogue on shared challenges in agriculture and rural development and seeks to advance a more sustainable agricultural future.
New Project “Secure – Stability, European Cooperation & Unity for Regional Engagement
In 2026, the Aspen Institute Germany will strengthen its engagement in the Western Balkans through its new project “Secure – Stability, European Cooperation & Unity for Regional Engagement” funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Launch of the second cohort of Future Cities Go Glocal: ‘The Just City’
In November, Future Cities Go Glocal launched the second cohort of The Just City. Twenty actors from Berlin, New Delhi, Nairobi and Mexico City will work towards achieving social justice and encouraging participation in 2025/26.
Annual Report “In Review”
January 2024 – June 2025
Our brand-new annual report, titled “In Review,” is out now! The report showcases the programs and activities of the Aspen Institute Germany from January 2024 to June 2025.
Happy Holidays
As the year draws to a close, the Aspen Germany team extends its warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year. We are sincerely grateful for the continued support and engagement of our community, which strengthens and guides our work throughout the year.
Aspen Germany Holds Two Flagship Events in Albania
Through two significant flagship events held in Tirana, Albania, the Aspen Institute Germany deepened its engagement in the Western Balkans as part of its long-term commitment to fostering regional dialogue and cooperation.
Berlin Freedom Week
From November 8 to 15, the city of Berlin is hosting a Freedom Week, a new city-wide initiative celebrating the values of democracy, civic courage, and human rights.
Event Partnership with Europa Union Berlin
The Aspen Institute Germany is delighted to cooperate with the Europa Union Berlin, Junge DGAP and Europe Direct Berlin for a new event series called “Mit Sicherheit Europa”.
Katja Greeson is Aspen Germany’s New Deputy Director
We are thrilled to announce that Katja Greeson has been appointed Aspen Germany’s new Deputy Director.
Eight Years After Aspen Germany’s 2017 Foresight Project
When experts gathered at the Aspen Institute Germany in 2017 to imagine possible futures, few could have predicted how closely parts of their fictional scenarios would mirror today’s geopolitical landscape.
Civil Society and Think Tank Forum 2025
As part of the Berlin Process, the Southeast Europe Association and the Aspen Institute Germany participated as knowledge partners in the Civil Society and Think Tank Forum 2025 in Podgorica.
The Limits of Retreat – The Shared Responsibility of Business and Governments in a Changing Global Health and Development Aid Landscape
The Aspen Institute Germany – supported by the Gates Foundation, Public Private Strategies Institute, and the Aspen Partnership for an Inclusive Economy – is delighted to publish a second article on the initiative “Redefining Power and Responsibility“. This initiative highlighted that only shared responsibility between governments, business, and multilateral institutions can prevent the erosion of recent progress and sustain a resilient global health order. Germany has a pivolat role to play in this context.
The Future of Global Health Cooperation
The Aspen Institute Germany – supported by the Gates Foundation, Public Private Strategies Institute, and the Aspen Partnership for an Inclusive Economy – has launched the initiative “Redefining Power and Responsibility“ to explore how the private sector can step in as a central actor in sustaining and reimagining global health leadership.
The Aspen Institute Celebrates 75 Years
From June 24-29, 2025, representatives of all 13 international partners gathered in Aspen, Colorado for a week of meaningful exchange, celebration and forward-looking collaboration. Aspen Germany was honored to take part in this special occasion, represented by Transatlantic Program Director Katja Greeson.
Applications Open for Model NATO Germany
Until August 3, 2025, students and young professionals have the opportunity to apply for the Model NATO Germany conference taking place in Berlin on November 11–15, 2025.
Solidarity in Action: A Transatlantic Collaboration Platform for Peace and Democracy in the Western Balkans
The Europe Program of Aspen Institute Germany has launched a new project. Organised in collaboration with the Aspen Strategy Group, the Aspen Institute Romania, and the Aspen Institute Italia, the project “Solidarity in Action“ aims at empowering young civil society leaders from the Western Balkans, the European Union, and the United States.
Obituary for Leonard Lauder
It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of a true friend and unwavering supporter of the Aspen family, Leonard Lauder. He will be deeply missed by the Aspen community and beyond.
