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Uncertain Futures and Connections Reimagined: Connecting Generations
Uncertain Futures and Connections Reimagined: Connecting Generations
By: Salzburg Global 

New Salzburg Global report explores the first KFAS-Salzburg Global Leadership Initiative, and examines what it means to be a good leader in today's world

Over the past 50 years, the world has become more connected, both in terms of time and space. However, this has also coincided with significant global changes, such as the Global Financial Crisis, geopolitical tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects of climate change. Additionally, there have been significant demographic changes, such as an aging population and a decline in fertility rates, which have created generational conflicts.

At the same time, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are changing the way we interact with each other and the world around us. This has created a need for new connections between individuals, families, and nations. There is also a need for greater cross-cultural connections, especially considering the increased diversity within societies caused by migration and other globalizing factors.

As a result of all these changes, the value, roles, and boundaries of existing connections have become uncertain, and a simple expansion of connections could lead to unexpected conflicts in the future. Therefore, it is essential to reimagine the types of connections that we need across individuals, families, states, generations, technologies, and nature. This requires reimagining policies and institutions to support these new connections and sustain our progress into the future.

From October 9 to 13, 2023, Salzburg Global, in partnership with the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies, hosted Uncertain Futures and Connections Reimagined: Connecting Generations, the first in-person convening of the multi-year KFAS-Salzburg Global Leadership Initiative. The program brought together a cohort of 35 international, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary Korean and global thought leaders to create new connections and tackle global challenges. 

This report is a collection of insights from the Fellows of the program and the Salzburg Global team, and covers some of the themes discussed at the program, such as demographic transitions, financial sustainability, diverging values, immigration, and intergenerational mobility. This report showcases diverse perspectives on what it takes to be a good leader in today's world, one thing linking them all: the importance of empathy. 

Read the full report online

Download the full report as a PDF

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Salzburg Global and the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies Announce the First Cohort of the KFAS-Salzburg Global Leadership Initiative
Two men stand on a balcony holding dishware with a mountain in the backgroundSalzburg Global President Martin Weiss (left) with KFAS President Choi (right) at Schloss Leopoldskron
Salzburg Global and the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies Announce the First Cohort of the KFAS-Salzburg Global Leadership Initiative
By: Salzburg Global 

This program aims to equip Korean and global leaders with the necessary skills to address the challenges posed by our rapidly changing world

Salzburg Global Seminar and the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies (KFAS) are proud to announce the first cohort and in-person convening of the KFAS-Salzburg Global Leadership Initiative

This multi-year program will annually bring together an international, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary network of Korean and global thought leaders to create new connections and tackle global challenges. 

Over the past decades, the world has become more connected in terms of both time and space. With this accelerated development, issues such as geopolitical tensions, climate change, demographic changes, and technological dilemmas were exacerbated. As we navigate the intricacies of these issues in a post-pandemic world, the urgency to find solutions amid uncertainties and bridge intergenerational gaps is more important than ever. 

The KFAS-Salzburg Global Leadership Initiative addresses the need to forge new connections across cultures, nations, and generations to reimagine how policies and institutions can sustain our progress into the future. It serves as an avenue for mutual learning and exchange where Fellows can discuss contemporary issues and collaborate on innovative action plans for development. 

KFAS President Choi commented: “As KFAS approaches its golden jubilee in 2024, creating a new global platform for future leaders with Salzburg Global is opening a new chapter for its next 50 years. KFAS and Salzburg Global have a common heritage in their firm belief and devotion to empower talents, who restlessly and passionately pursue value bigger than personal interest and thus pay it forward for a better society. Collaborating with Salzburg Global, Martin and his team, has been such a rewarding experience. I look forward to welcoming all participants at the historic venue of Schloss Leoplodskron!”

With the theme "Uncertain Futures and Connections Reimagined: Connecting Generations", 35 global leaders at junior and senior levels will convene on October 9-13, 2023 at Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria. These leaders will be given opportunities to develop the skills needed to address the diverse challenges that we face today.

Salzburg Global President Martin Weiss added: “We are excited to be partnering with the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies (KFAS) for this multi-year program focused on connecting leaders across generations. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with KFAS, an organization whose efforts in the field of leadership development greatly align with the values that we hold dear here at Salzburg Global. We are grateful to President Choi for his vision in initiating this program and the opportunity to build it together throughout the coming years."

The key topics of discussion for the first year of the program will revolve around various sub-themes related to intergenerational challenges such as demographic transition, financial sustainability, diverging values, immigration, and intergenerational mobility; all aimed at creating pathways to address prevalent global issues and establish transnational linkages. 

The 2023 inaugural cohort is comprised of the following notable Fellows from across the world:

  • Mac Andre Arboleda, Independent artist, Artists for Digital Rights Network
  • Subindra Bogati, Founder & CEO, Nepal Peacebuilding Initiative, Nepal
  • Dongkyu Chang, Associate Professor of Economics, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • Donghyun Danny Choi, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Brown University, United States
  • Rosakebia L. Estela Mendoza, Founder, Silver Passport, Peru
  • Vera Fonseca, Coordinator of the Project Team on Intersecting Inequalities, High Commission for Migration, Portugal
  • Manuel García Huitrón, Co-founder & Global Chief, Economics, Strategy, and Operations, Nuovalo, Chile
  • Rhydhi Gupta, Public Policy Analyst, The Quantum Hub, India
  • Nozuko Hlwatika, PhD Student., Wayne State University, United States
  • Minji Hong, Producer, SBS Digital Newslab, South Korea
  • Milos Ivkovic, Law Professor, International Arbitrator and Advisor to Government, Washington University / Independent, Austria
  • Hyebin Bina Jeon, Programme Officer, Human Rights Information and Documentation Systems (HURIDOCS), South Korea
  • Jong-Ho Jeong, Professor, Seoul National University, South Korea
  • Hyeok Jeong, Professor, Seoul National University, South Korea
  • Yoonjin Kim, Attorney at Law, Dongcheon Foundation, South Korea
  • Youngmin Kim, Professor, Seoul National University, South Korea
  • Taeil Kim, Professor of public administration, Korea University, South Korea
  • Bitna Kim, Project Manager, Citizens’ Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, South Korea
  • Sukjae Lee, Professor of Philosophy, Seoul National University, South Korea
  • Antonio Lessa, Full Professor, Universidade de Brasília, Brazil
  • Fareeda Mamand, Education in Emergency Lead, Plan International, Italy
  • Parag Mankeekar, Founder & CEO, RealLives Foundation, India
  • Seroshi Nandasiri, Founder & Chairperson, Women’s International Foundation, Sri Lanka
  • Albert Sanghoon Park, Lecturer, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
  • Jin Park, Professor, KDI School of Public Policy and Management, South Korea
  • Pavlos Petidis, Scientific Associate, The Network for Reform in Greece and Europe, Greece
  • Rajnish Prasad, Programme Specialist – Gender Equality & HIV/AIDS, UN Women, Thailand 
  • Ian Ryu, Head of Technology Partnerships, FedTech, United States
  • Jungwon Seo, Reporter, Maeil Business Newspaper, South Korea
  • Adam Sharpe, Founder & Futurist, People Power Foresight / Futurely, Thailand
  • Alexis Stangarone, Director, Lloyd N. Cutler Center for the Rule of Law, United States of America
  • Marian Grace Ticzon, Project Officer, ASMAE – Soeur Emmanuelle Philippines, Philippines
  • Hideo Tone, Program Officer, The Toyota Foundation, Japan
  • Jenny Wood, Co-director, Policy & Research, A Place in Childhood, United Kingdom

The KFAS-Salzburg Global Leadership Initiative kicked off with two virtual on-boarding sessions in September and will continue after the upcoming in-person convening through online network meetings to ensure further development and sustainability of the ideas developed in Salzburg. 

Find out more about the KFAS-Salzburg Global Leadership Initiative. Keep up to date with further developments at Salzburg Global by registering for our newsletter.

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Music and Mind With Renée Fleming
Renée Fleming sits in a gray chair next to three other individuals during a panel discussionRenée Fleming and panelists Mizan Rambhoros, Christopher Bailey, and Auguste Tautscher-Basnett during the "Music and Mind" discussion. Photo Credit: Richard Schabetsberger
Music and Mind With Renée Fleming
By: Audrey Plimpton 

Renée Fleming and experts unveil the transformative power of music on human health and wellbeing

Renée Fleming, world-renowned soprano and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Health, participated in a panel hosted by Salzburg Global Seminar on August 1, 2023 to share about the profound effects of music on human health and the brain. Renée has been a leading advocate for research at the intersection of arts, health, and neuroscience and has presented her program “Music and Mind” in more than 50 cities worldwide, with Salzburg as the most recent addition.  

Esteemed experts joined Renée in Schloss Leopoldskron for a panel discussion delving into the intersection of music, mental health, and neuroscience, shedding light on the therapeutic potential of music and the scientific mechanisms behind its influence. Martin Weiss, president and CEO of Salzburg Global Seminar, and Kristina Hammer, president of the Salzburg Festival, both delivered warm introductions on the importance of arts for wellbeing.

The event’s core concept of arts as health connects to the approach taken by two pillars at Salzburg Global, Health and Culture. Our Health and Health Care Innovation series puts people and communities at the heart of systems transformation for healthy societies to promote a future that is generative of health, well-being, and happiness for all. Our Culture, Arts and Society series harnesses the transformative power of artists and the arts to shape a better world, with past programs including “The Neuroscience of Art” and “The Humanizing Power of the Arts: Building Back Healthier”. 

Renée was accompanied by Christopher Bailey​, Arts and Health Lead for the World Health Organization, Mizan Rambhoros, researcher of neuroaesthetics in the ARTIS Lab at the University of Vienna, and Auguste Tautscher-Basnett​, clinical linguist and quality manager for neurorehabilitation at the Gailtal-Klinik Hermagor in Austria. 

The four experts each presented their perspectives on the transformative power of music and arts for cognitive development, healing, and therapy. They shared touching examples of impressive results from music being used to improve the lives of people affected by Alzheimer’s, strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and more. Their promising insights and strong scientific evidence showcased the many therapeutic applications of music. 

The engaging conversation between Renée and the other three experts enabled the audience to gain insights into music therapy's ability to enhance emotional well-being, explore how music stimulates neural pathways and influences brain chemistry, and discover how music can regulate emotions, elevate mood, and empower individuals. 

Through the engagement of experts and passionate advocates like Renée Fleming, Salzburg Global Seminar continues to explore and harness the potential of music and arts to improve the lives of individuals and communities worldwide. 


This event is organized under the auspices of Salzburg Global Seminar – Austria and took place in partnership with the Healing Arts series of the Jameel Arts and Health Lab in collaboration with WHO. Renée Fleming appeared courtesy of the Salzburger Festspiele.

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The Intersection Between Art, Power and Marginalization
The Intersection Between Art, Power and Marginalization
By: Khaled Barakeh 

Salzburg Global Fellow Khaled Barakeh reflects on what "Democracy on the Front Lines" means to him and his work

This op-ed is part of a series, written by Fellows and speakers of the Salzburg Global Weekend, with the theme "Democracy on the Front Lines".

Democracy on the front lines is messy, complicated, and uncomfortable. In its ideal form, it is about inclusion, representation, and equality, but when one is on the front lines, these ideals often clash with the stark realities of power and injustice. This brings into question the very core of what we understand as democracy, which should push us to challenge the comfortable definitions of democracy we often cling to in “democratic countries”, especially since the establishment of United Nations organizations after the Second World War.

Perhaps the greatest challenge to this concept is the question of priorities. In some parts of the world where people are fighting for basic survival and human rights, can we truly talk about democracy in the same way? Can we prioritize voting and political participation when people are fighting against displacement, starvation, and violence? Can we blame them for not meeting the “Western standards” of democratic values? This doesn’t mean that democracy becomes irrelevant on the front lines. On the contrary, it becomes even more crucial. But it forces us to expand our understanding of democracy. It’s not just about political systems, but about human dignity, representation, and voice in all aspects of life.

“Democracy on the Front Lines” embodies the tension between the ideal and the real, between what we aspire to be and where we currently stand. It is about both participation and resistance—participation in structures that allow us to express our agency, and resistance against forces that seek to silence, marginalize, or oppress. These intangible front lines are where I engage in my work. I find myself constantly questioning and pushing against the boundaries of our societies, asking us to reconsider the status quo and inviting us to imagine new possibilities.

Art, for me, is more than just a tool for expression. It’s a lens, a megaphone, and a call to action, shaping and reshaping our understanding of society and our place within it. My front lines are the spaces where art, culture, and activism intersect with structures of power and marginalization. My front lines are not only in parliaments, local councils, and election booths. They are in galleries, studios, streets, refugee camps, and communities where people’s voices are often suppressed or ignored. Front lines should not be limited to physical spaces but extend into the realms of thought, perception, and dialogue.

Take my project “The Untitled Images,” for example. By removing the subjects from press photos of Syrian victims, I wanted to challenge the dehumanizing effects of media portrayal, to give back individuality to those reduced to mere statistics. This was my way of questioning the democratic principles of representation and voice: who gets to be seen and heard, and who doesn’t? Likewise, my “Syrian Biennale” initiative was a response to the lack of representation in the art world. I wanted to create a platform where artists outside the mainstream could be seen and heard. Here, the challenge was to the democratic principle of equality: why do some voices dominate while others are marginalized in art and elsewhere?

In essence, “Democracy on the Front Lines” to me is about active engagement, not passive acceptance. It is about questioning, challenging, and pushing back against the dominant narratives and structures that govern our societies. It’s about making space for marginalized voices, fostering inclusivity and dialogue, and building empathy. It is less about formal political structures and more about the daily fight for dignity, voice, and representation. It’s about challenging the mainstream narratives that often exclude the marginalized and voiceless.

Khaled Barakeh is a Berlin-based conceptual artist and cultural activist. Driven by his observations of longstanding social injustice, Khaled approaches creative practice as a tool for societal change; manipulating commonplace visual and cultural touchstones to expose and undermine stagnant power structures. In a recent major shift in his practice, Khaled developed coculture in 2017 - a non-for-profit umbrella organization with a suite of initiatives that leverage artistic thinking to directly address issues of contemporary mass migration. Among these projects is the SYRIA Cultural Index and the Syrian Biennale. Khaled has exhibited at Hamburger Kunsthalle, The 11th Shanghai Biennale, The Frankfurter Kunstverein, Salt Istanbul, The Busan Biennale, State Gallery of Lower Austria, Krems and MKG Hamburg, among many others. He graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus, Syria, in 2005, completed his MFA in 2010 at Funen Art Academy in Odense, Denmark, and a Meisterschuler study in 2013 at the Städelschule Art Academy in Frankfurt, Germany.

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Salzburg Global at the 9th World Summit on Arts and Culture
Salzburg Global's Long Table discussion at the World Summit on Arts and Culture
Salzburg Global at the 9th World Summit on Arts and Culture
By: Faye Hobson 

Program Director for Culture Faye Hobson recounts her key takeaways of Salzburg Global's Long Table discussion at Stockholm’s World Summit on Arts and Culture 

In May 2023, the 9th World Summit on Arts and Culture took place in Stockholm, Sweden. Salzburg Global Seminar was a partner in this global gathering which brought together cultural policymakers, practitioners, artists, and experts from around the world.

During the Summit, the threats to artistic freedom posed by technology emerged as a prominent concern. Participants expressed apprehension regarding uncontrollable AI surpassing human intelligence, intellectual property issues, algorithmic mediation of knowledge access leading to echo chambers, and more. The media's recent focus on these concerns, including warnings from AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton and policymakers calling for investments in AI safety and control, has amplified fears and anxieties.

Salzburg Global convened a Long Table discussion on May 3rd, “The Arts on the Frontline, the Arts in the Online”, focusing on the challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities faced by cultural policymakers and artists in the digital environment. The Long Table session was moderated by Faye Hobson, Program Director for Culture, and involved Salzburg Global Fellows Ayodele M. Ganiu, Anasuya Sengupta, and Kira Xonorika

Here are some of the key takeaways: 

Engaging with the Digital Landscape

Cultural policymakers and artists must contemplate how to effectively engage with the internet, AI, chatbots like Chat GPT, and online image generators such as Midjourney or Dall-e. One essential aspect is supporting each other within the sector and remaining cognizant of the potential suppression, surveillance, and lack of accountability that exist online. Simultaneously, it is crucial to harness the opportunities for freedom of expression, creation, and community that the digital space offers.

Avoiding Replicating Inequities

In order to prevent the perpetuation of existing inequities and systems that marginalize individuals, cultural policymakers and artists must prioritize several key actions. First and foremost, bridging the digital divide and ensuring equal access to digital tools and resources is crucial. Additionally, adopting inclusive design practices that involve diverse voices and perspectives in the development of digital technologies is essential. Promoting digital literacy programs that empower artists and communities to navigate the digital landscape effectively is another important step. Lastly, fostering global collaboration and establishing partnerships are vital in amplifying the voices of artists from the majority world and ensuring their inclusion in the digital age. By actively engaging in these efforts, cultural policymakers and artists can work towards a more equitable and inclusive digital ecosystem.

Ethical and Responsible Use of Technology

Cultural policymakers and artists must navigate the ethical implications of AI, algorithms, Web 3.0, and other emerging technologies. They should advocate for transparency, regulation, and policy development, ensuring the human-centered design of technology. Continuous dialogue between artists, technologists, policymakers, and stakeholders is essential to shape the evolving relationship between art, technology, and society. 

Opportunities in the Online Space

The online space presents numerous opportunities for artists and cultural practitioners. It allows for digital collaboration, community building, and creative exchange on global platforms. Open access initiatives, Creative Commons licensing, and knowledge sharing enable artists to freely share and build upon each other's work. Emerging technologies, including AI-powered chatbots and image generators, offer avenues for experimentation, innovation, and pushing artistic boundaries. 

The World Summit on Arts and Culture highlighted the complexities of engaging with the digital landscape. Recognizing the threats posed by technology, such as AI and algorithms, cultural policymakers and artists must navigate these challenges responsibly, while actively seeking opportunities for creative expression, cultural exchange, and community building. By prioritizing inclusivity, digital literacy, and global collaboration, we can shape a digital age that supports artistic freedom, empowers marginalized voices, and fosters a more equitable and diverse cultural ecosystem. 

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Daniel Gorman Celebrates the Life of His Salzburg Global Fellow Dad, Michael Gorman
Daniel Gorman, a man wearing a brown shirt and glasses, sits at a table with his arms crossedDaniel Gorman at the latest Salzburg Global Seminar arts program. Photo Credit: Christian Streili
Daniel Gorman Celebrates the Life of His Salzburg Global Fellow Dad, Michael Gorman
By: Christina DeNatale 

Daniel Gorman, director of English PEN, shares the memory of his father and Salzburg Global Fellow, Michael Gorman, who passed away in 2022.

We spoke to Daniel Gorman, Director of English PEN, during “On the Front Line: Artists at Risk, Artists Who Risk.” This program took place between March 25 and March 30, 2023. Daniel’s father, Michael Gorman, attended Salzburg Global programs in 1949 and 1950. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

Christina DeNatale, Salzburg Global Communications Intern: How did your father (Michael Gorman) find out about Salzburg Global? 

Daniel Gorman, Director, English PEN: He came here in 1949 and then again in 1950, which is really the early years of [Salzburg Global]. He was in university at that point, in Dublin. My understanding is that at that point, part of [Salzburg Global’s] aim was to bring together people from across a divided Europe or a postwar Europe. And although he was an engineering student in university, he was involved in the drama society, which was incredibly active at that point and really trying to push things forward. One of his friends from there was this guy called Otto Glaser, who had come to Salzburg the year before. He'd heard about it from him and decided to get an application and did, and succeeded and was accepted. He got his first passport in 1949 to come to Salzburg.  

Christina: Did he reflect on his time here often? 

Daniel:  Definitely in later years, because he for years was trying to put together his memoir-ish from when he retired when he was 65 in Ireland, and he died last year aged 95. He had kind of a thirty-year stretch of trying to put [the memoir] together and I worked with him on doing that. And so, through that, we talked a lot about key moments in his life and one of those really formative moments, I think he would agree, was coming here to Salzburg and suddenly realizing this whole world outside of Ireland existed and the complexities of being somewhere like here. At that point just coming out of the war, coming from Ireland, which was neutral during World War II and coming into a space that I believe was in the American zone Salzburg. There was a lot of questions as to why it was happening and who was doing it and who was behind it, but I think coming here, then meeting all these incredible people and having this incredible experience, in some ways for the rest of his life, he was interested in looking at what’s outside. He left Ireland, traveled quite a lot, and went back to Ireland, but was involved in tourism, which was a kind of bringing people into Ireland and building that up. And so, I think it had a major influence on him.  

Christina: Did hearing about your father’s time here while helping with his memoir inspire you to attend your first program here in 2014?  

Daniel: I think that was probably when I first found out about it. It was probably around that time, and I was probably with him and [thought] “Oh, wow, that sounds pretty odd and interesting”. I looked to see if it still existed and saw that it did. I sent an email then to them because I was working broadly in the arts and human rights field and I sent an email saying that I was interested in this place and got a reply from Susie [Susanna Seidl-Fox, former program director at Salzburg Global], who said “I’ll keep you in mind”. I think quite soon after was the 2014 session, which I was invited to, which was completely amazing. And I was here again in 2017.  

Christina: Why did you decide to come back a third time to attend this session? 

Daniel: My work over the last 15 years has been in collaboration with artists in times of risk. This session is right at the nub of that. It's complex and it's brilliant, but it feels like having that space to really talk out some of these issues when we're constantly at the coalface having to deal with them or not having the space to step back and look at what we're dealing with and look at the power structures that are at play, etc. I wanted to have that moment and so I was really honored to be asked and really grateful to come and when I saw the participants’ list, it’s just phenomenal people here and many artists, which is really key. I suppose the double vote, having already accepted, but then having seen who's going to be here, I was even more excited. 

Christina: Do you feel like you are carrying on your dad’s legacy in a way by being a Fellow here? Does it feel like a way to connect with him? 

Daniel: Yeah, I suppose I do, which I hadn't necessarily realized. When I arrived, I really felt his presence and I felt a wave of grief that took a while to get through, but that's quite a powerful thing too. He's been in this space, and this is a very unusual space with a lot of heavy resonances. It's quite a special thing to have and to know that there are these shared overlaps in time and space. 

Christina: Is there anything else you think we should know about your dad?  

Daniel: He was always an internationalist. He was always open to new ideas, new thoughts, and new ways of thinking and being. Having his eyes open to other ways of thinking. I think being here played a role in that in some way. But the fact that he even wanted to come here shows that he was already primed for that, he had his eyes on the horizon. He was always open to having conversations with new people and other people. I think this would have been a major part of that… He always had a curiosity. I'm sure being here helped him to scratch that itch of being curious and meeting people from all over the place and spending time together.  

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New Report Explores Intersection of Art, Activism, and Politics: Insights from Salzburg Global Seminar's Arts and Culture Program
New Report Explores Intersection of Art, Activism, and Politics: Insights from Salzburg Global Seminar's Arts and Culture Program
By: Salzburg Global Seminar 

On the Front Lines: Artists at Risk, Artists Who Risk report summarizes Fellows' discussions at Salzburg Global's first arts and culture program of 2023

From March 25 to 30, 2023, Salzburg Global Seminar hosted On the Front Lines: Artists at Risk, Artists Who Risk.

Through the lenses of around 50 artists and allies from over 40 countries, this program explored the intersection of contemporary art, activism, politics, law, research, technology, ethics and organizing. The program was a space where artists were central, and where debate, introspection, and exchange attempted to bridge a diversity of perspectives, create new ideas and build commitment to strategies for action.

In this report, you will find a collection of Fellow reflections and articles from Salzburg Global Seminar and Diplomatic Courier, exploring the different discussions that emerged from the session as well as diving deeper into some of the participants’ backgrounds.

Download the report as a PDF

Read the full report below:

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