Our Key Topic Areas and the Groups We Convene

APPLY FOR A PROGRAM

Person reads a brochure about Salzburg Global Programs

Embracing Difference

We live in a connected age, but too often our worlds remain separate. Age, location, discipline, and affiliation serve to keep our circles small and make our ideas echo.

That's not how we do things at Salzburg Global. We bring together leaders of every kind - artists, journalists, activists, diplomats, frontline workers, entrepreneurs, and many others who live and breathe the issues that matter.

Their opinions might differ or even conflict. But what unites everyone who takes part in our sessions is that they know they don't have all the answers. Like us, they believe that uncovering new perspectives from a diverse group of people is the best way to unlock better possibilities.


Responding to Pressing Global Issues

Our programs are part of five key topic areas that look to address the most pressing global issues of our time. 

How Do We Reduce Violence, Injustice, and Global Instability?

These programs connect frontline innovators with policymakers to reconcile past conflicts, promote the rule of law, and advance pluralist values around the world.

How Can Education Systems Transform To Equip Learners for the Century Ahead?

These programs, which fall under the Salzburg Global Center for Education Transformation, explore how education is shaping the skills, knowledge and mindsets of individuals and contributing to the development of more inclusive and sustainable societies.

How Can Culture Advance Inclusive Leadership, Shape Policy, and Promote Social Justice?

These programs explore how culture in all its forms can bridge diverse perspectives, amplify underrepresented voices, and inspire collective action toward a more equitable and just world.

How Can We Promote a Future of Healthy Living and Well-Being for All?

Our programs equip leaders with the strategies and connections to effectively integrate health, equity and well-being into all policies.

How Can We Develop “Purpose + Profit” Approaches To Managing Financial Risks and Investments?

These programs seek to foster courageous, innovative, and ethical leadership in response to emerging systemic challenges.


Bringing Together Leaders of Every Kind

Our sessions include change-makers from across continents, age groups, fields of study, and cultural backgrounds. The groups we convene are intentionally:

International

We welcome leaders to our sessions from across the globe.

Interdisciplinary

We hold conversations including experienced leaders and those who are emerging. 

Intergenerational

We blend sectors and specializations when selecting participants for our sessions.


Leaving a Lasting Impact

Time and again, our Fellows tell us about the impact our programs have had on their work and lives. 

Fellows are equipped and encouraged to act - with many joining public calls to action, publicizing ideas and strategies, and launching new collaborations.

They describe a Salzburg Global experience marked by:

Breakthrough Conversations

Where assumptions are challenged, and new perspectives uncovered.

Disruptive Ideas

Where divergent voices are heard, and new possibilities explored.

Meaningful Connections

Where deep bonds are formed, and lasting networks begun.


Apply for a Program

Programs currently open for application

Upcoming Events

Aug 22 - Aug 22, 2026
Salzburg Global in Austria
Seizing the Moment. Shaping the Future.
Salzburg Global Future Forum
Salzburg, Austria
Sep 06 - Sep 11, 2026
Education
A Tale of 2000 Days: New Partnerships in Early Childhood
Education for Tomorrow's World
Salzburg, Austria
Sep 28 - Sep 30, 2026
General
Implementing Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure and Instant Payment Systems in Africa
Salzburg Global
Salzburg, Austria
Oct 05 - Oct 07, 2026
Finance & Governance
A Multipolar & AI-Driven World: Are New Approaches Needed To Preserve Profit and Public Trust?
Salzburg Global Corporate Governance Forum
Salzburg, Austria
Oct 12 - Oct 16, 2026
Finance & Governance
The 3rd Policy Dialogue on Just Energy Transitions: Prosperity Post Fossil Fuels
Policy Dialogue on Just Energy Transitions
Salzburg, Austria
Oct 19 - Oct 22, 2026
Peace & Justice
The Collective Action Problem: How Should Democratic Societies Respond to Increasing State Violence without Exacerbating Polarization and Political Violence?
Violent Threats to Democratic Systems
Salzburg, Austria
Oct 21 - Oct 25, 2026
Peace & Justice
Democracy Across the Frontlines: How Can Democracy Movements Collaborate To Build Resilience Across Borders?
Salzburg Global American Studies Program
Salzburg, Austria
Nov 17 - Nov 21, 2026
Culture
Leadership in a Digital Age: Technology, Society, and Governance in Asia
Asia Policy Leadership Forum​
Salzburg, Austria
Nov 17 - Nov 21, 2026
Culture
Leadership in a Digital Age: Technology, Society, and Governance in Europe
Public Policy New Voices Europe
Salzburg, Austria


Related Articles

Peace & Justice Feature
Unity in Geographic Diversity: African Insights on Representation and Agency
Despite immense geographic scope and diversity, voices from across Africa converge on a shared ambition: to define the continent’s future on its own terms
Aug 19, 2026
Education Update
The 20th Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change Looks to the Past To Shape Media Futures
This year’s Media Academy invited over 75 people to reflect on “created histories” and shape “creative tomorrows” for future media landscapes
Aug 18, 2026
Peace & Justice Feature
Between Peace and the Front Lines: “In the Event of War, NATO Convoys Would Roll Through Austria”
Salzburg Global Fellow Franz-Stefan Gady is a military analyst who frequently visits the front lines in Ukraine. He contemplates the unthinkable and asks: What if the war comes to us?
Aug 17, 2026
Health Feature
Building leadership for complex crises
Sciana Fellow Markus Ries on building resilient health systems through interdisciplinary leadership
Aug 14, 2026
General Update
Victoria Mars Honored with the Salzburg Cup
We are proud to recognize a steadfast champion whose vision and leadership continue to shape our organization’s future.
Aug 13, 2026
Education Opinion
Beyond Translation: What South Asia Can Teach the World About Social and Emotional Learning
Salzburg Global Fellows explain how longstanding traditions of care, belonging, and collective well-being challenge assumptions about where educational knowledge comes from
Aug 11, 2026
Culture Testimonial
It Begins With Us: Leadership Through Relationships
Salzburg Global Fellow Princewill Ahante reflects on the relationships and opportunities that continue to shape his commitment to inclusive leadership
Aug 06, 2026
Finance & Governance Feature
Reimagining Financial Leadership for Africa's Future
With emerging technologies and rising climate demands, many African economies are advancing financial and governance models that support innovation, regional cooperation, and resilient growth
Aug 03, 2026
Peace & Justice Report
Our Key Insights: How Can Democracies Defend Themselves?
Nine key insights on developing strategies for safeguarding democratic systems and building alliances across pro-democracy movements around the world
Jul 27, 2026
Peace & Justice Feature
Speaking Up for the Rule of Law
International lawyers are building the leadership, networks, and legal integrity needed to defend the rule of law
Jul 24, 2026
Culture Opinion
How Internet Shutdowns Became the New Face of Authoritarianism
Salzburg Global Fellow Benson Innocent Edobor on how governments around the world are abusing internet shutdowns - and what that means for democracy, human rights, and digital freedom
Jul 22, 2026

Support Our Work

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on your generosity and support to gather open-minded leaders for breakthrough conversations.

Donations, no matter the size, help us create space for dialogue that overcomes barriers and opens up a world of better possibilities.

Stay Connected

Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter and Receive Regular Updates

Search
favicon