An Introduction

What Is Salzburg Global?

Salzburg Global is where open-minded leaders from around the world gather for breakthrough conversations on pressing global issues.

Since 1947, our programs have worked to overcome barriers and open up a world of better possibilities – creating spaces where divergent voices can address the big challenges of our time.

We have gathered over 40,000 Fellows from 173 countries for more than 1,100 sessions that change the conversation on the pressing issues of our time.

That very first session brought together over 100 young Europeans and Americans – including veterans of the French resistance, survivors of Nazi concentration camps, 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 occupation.

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.

How Many Sessions Occur Each Year?

We're pleased to say we host multiple sessions throughout the year – online and in person. The majority of these sessions fall under individual programs, which have been categorized into five pillars. For example, the session "Creating Futures: Art of Narrative" is part of the Culture, Arts and Society program. This program falls under our Culture pillar. 

Why Is Salzburg Global Based at Schloss Leopoldskron?

Schloss Leopoldskron is Salzburg Global's historic home, the result of a chance encounter between Clemens Heller and Helene Thimig. Heller was one of Salzburg Global's three co-founders, while Thimig was the widow of Max Reinhardt, the pre-war owner of Schloss Leopoldskron.

In 1947, Harvard students Heller, Richard Campbell, and Scott Elledge sought a venue to host what was then known as the Salzburg Seminar in American Civilization—an international forum for those seeking a better future for Europe and the world.

Heller had been a student of Thimig at the renowned Max Reinhardt Seminar for Performing Arts in Vienna. Following a chance meeting in early 1947 with Thimig on the New York subway, Heller secured the use of the Schloss for the first-ever Salzburg Seminar in American Studies, held for six weeks that summer.

In 1959, after over a decade of renting, Salzburg Seminar bought the Schloss outright. The neighboring Meierhof, which now houses most of Salzburg Global's offices and 55 hotel rooms, was purchased in 1973. You can read more about the founding of Salzburg Global and the history of Schloss Leopoldskron here.

Where Else Does Salzburg Global Have a Presence?

In addition to Schloss Leopoldskron, Salzburg Global also has an office in the U.S. at 1541 14th Street NW, Suite 2 West Washington, D.C. 20005

How Can I Become a Fellow?

Salzburg Global's session participants automatically become part of Salzburg Global's Fellowship. Some of our sessions have open calls, while others are invite-only. 

When we are welcoming applications for a program, we will share this information on our social media channels and through our monthly newsletter. Information on programs or sessions open for application will also be listed here. 

How Much Does It Cost To Attend an In-Person Salzburg Global Session?

Our in-person programs are fully residential, with board and lodging included in the fee, from dinner on the opening day until breakfast on the departure day. Depending on the length of our programs, the price can vary. The fee for each session should be displayed on its webpage. The cost does not include travel to and from Salzburg.

Are Scholarships Available?

As we wish to bring together as diverse a group of Fellows as possible within each program, the fee may vary depending on an individual applicant's financial circumstances. Discounts are considered for organizations in non-OECD countries, NGOs, universities, research institutes, and think tanks.

There are also limited partial scholarships available for some programs. Therefore, we strongly advise early registration.

For a limited number of outstanding early- to mid-career applicants from developing countries, Salzburg Global and its partners offer scholarships that cover travel and program fees. We aim to bring together a unique mix of people, and strongly encourage individuals from all parts of the world to apply.

What Is the Structure of an In-Person Salzburg Global Session?

Salzburg Global's programs are not conferences; they are much more intimate, dynamic, and collaborative. Rather than just a space for speakers to deliver presentations and papers, our programs move participants beyond their "comfort zones" by being participatory, prompting candid dialogue and fresh thinking as we search for innovative but practical solutions.

Our exclusive setting enables Salzburg Global participants to step back from the world, share quality time, and form life-long bonds. The Schloss's spacious atmosphere and beautiful surroundings leave a vivid and enduring imprint on Fellows' memories, often described as the “Salzburg magic.”

The serene atmosphere offers Fellows an opportunity for deep reflection and bonding while creating space to explore complex topics and develop potential solutions. 

Over breaks and meals, walks around the lake, drinks on the terrace, and evening social time, conversations begun during working sessions are continued, allowing for greater nuance, broader exploration, and enhanced creativity. Fellows are urged to be "tough on the issues, but kind on each other" at the beginning of each program.

Our programs in Salzburg are fully residential, with board and lodging offered in the Meierhof of Schloss Leopoldskron (the adjacent building to the Schloss). All meals are provided and are usually in the Schloss's Marble Hall. These programs also include informal evening events, such as fireside chats and concerts in our Great Hall, Schloss tours, and time set aside for socializing. Some programs also include excursions to Salzburg and the surrounding province. 

We also organize programs, Fellows' reunions, and events in countries around the world, including, but not limited to, London, UK, and Washington, D.C.

Can I Visit Schloss Leopoldskron Without Attending a Program?

Absolutely. You are invited to stay at Schloss Leopoldskron, visit for breakfast, participate in a guided tour, or reserve a table at the Meierhof Bar. You can even host your wedding with us.

In addition to Salzburg Global sessions, the palace hosts conferences and seminars organized by external clients.

Visit the above links for more information. We always encourage Salzburg Global Fellows to return to Schloss Leopoldskron. As a sweetener, we offer a discount on their next stay. If you're a Fellow looking to take advantage of this offer, please email our Reception Team, stating your name and the program you attended. 

What Is Salzburg Global's Relationship With the 21st Century Trust?

The 21st Century Trust brings together policy-makers, thought leaders, and people from across government, civil society, and the private sector to develop their thinking on global issues with a view to shaping a better 21st century.

In 2009, the trustees, led by Lord Patten of Barnes as Chair, concluded that the Trust would need to form a close alliance with another global organization to sustain its mission. It therefore developed a mutually supportive alliance with Salzburg Global, and many of the Trust's Fellows became connected to the Salzburg Global Fellowship, also established at that time.

Since then, the Trust has taken a lead in London events, including the Palliser Lecture series, named in memory of Sir Michael Palliser, the distinguished diplomat and supporter of international collaboration, a founding trustee of the Trust, and also Vice-Chair of Salzburg Global.

For more information, please visit 21stcenturytrust.org.