This high-level plenary will set the tone for the forum by addressing the urgent need for more inclusive and effective global cooperation in a time of uncertain challenges. Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, economic transitions, and the accelerating climate crisis, the panellists will reflect on the current state of multilateralism and explore pathways to maintain collaboration for the common good. Key topics include the outcomes of recent global events, the evolving roles of major and emerging powers, and pragmatic approaches to overcoming barriers to collective action. The session aims to inspire narratives on pathways for collective action toward a shared future for humankind.

Facilitator: Ed Williams, President, Edelman International

Discussants:

• Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile (2006-2010, 2014-2018) and Vice President of Club de Madrid 
• Aminata Touré, Prime Minister of Senegal (2013-2014) 
• Li Cheng, Professor of Department of Politics and Public Administration of the University of Hong Kong, Founding Director of the Centre on Contemporary China and the World (CCCW) 
• Ismail Serageldin, Vice President of the World Bank (1992-2000) and Co-Chair of Nizami Ganjavi International Center 
• Guy Ryder, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Policy  
• Zhu Feng, Chair Professor and Dean of School of International Studies, Nanjing University, Executive Director of the Collaborative, Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University 

A. Traditional and Non-Traditional Challenges to Global Security

This session will address the evolving complexities of international security, where traditional risks like interstate conflicts and nuclear threats intersect with non-traditional challenges such as climate change, cyber vulnerabilities, and pandemics. Participants will examine how governance gaps, technological advancements, and shifting power dynamics influence these risks and explore strategies for fostering resilience. By focusing on approaches that integrate human, environmental, and systemic dimensions, the discussion aims to contribute to the definition of a more inclusive and adaptable framework for addressing today’s multifaceted security challenges.

Facilitator: Sean Cleary, Executive Vice Chair of the FutureWorld Foundation and Club de Madrid Advisor

Discussants:

• Olusegun Obasanjo, President of Nigeria (1999-2007)  
• Boris Tadić, President of Serbia (2004-2012)  
• Aleksander Kwaśniewski, President of Poland (1995-2005) 
• Li Cheng, Professor of Department of Politics and Public Administration of the University of Hong Kong, Founding Director of the Centre on Contemporary China and the World (CCCW) 
• Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of Lithuania (2009-2019) 
• Zheng Yu, Professor, Head of Department of International Politics, School of International Relations and Public Affairs (SIRPA), Fudan University 
• Yves Leterme, Prime Minister of Belgium (2008, 2009-2011)  
• Rafael Dezcallar, Ambassador of Spain to China (2018-2024), Career Diplomat, Club de Madrid Advisor 
• Francisco Sagasti, President of Peru (2020-2021) 
• Valdis Zatlers, President of Latvia (2007-2011) 
• Wang Wen, Dean of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies (RDCY) 
• Eka Tkeshelashvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia (2008) and Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia (2010-2012) 
• Manuel Muñiz, Provost, IE University, and Club de Madrid Advisor 

B. Tackling Challenges Facing the World Economy

The global economy is confronting significant pressures, including persistent inflation, rising debt levels, and increasing fragmentation in trade and investment flows. These challenges, compounded by geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, are straining financial stability and limiting growth, particularly in emerging and developing economies. This session will address how protectionist policies and structural imbalances threaten global economic resilience, while exploring the role of multilateral frameworks such as the WTO and the G20 in fostering cooperation. Participants will identify actionable strategies to safeguard economic stability, revitalise trade, and ensure that all regions benefit equitably from global progress.

Facilitator: Xiang Songzuo, Former Chief Economist of Agricultural Bank of China, Director of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Finance Institute in Shenzhen

Discussants:

• Jenny Shipley, Prime Minister of New Zealand (1997-1999) 
• Mehdi Jomaa, Prime Minister of Tunisia (2014-2015) 
• Wolfgang Schüssel, Chancellor of Austria (2000-2007) 
• Xue Lan, Distinguished Professor of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Tsinghua University, Dean, Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University 
• Ángel Gurría, Secretary General of OCDE (2006-2021) 
• Tse Kwok Leung, Senior Research Fellow (Honorary) of Lau Chor Tak Institute of Global Economics and Finance (IGEF), The Chinese University of Hong Kong 
• Zlatko Lagumdžija, Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2001-2002) 
• Luz Maria de la Mora, Director of the Division of International Trade and Commodities, UNCTAD 
• Karen Tramontano, CEO and Founder of Blue Star Strategies, and Former Deputy Chief of Staff to the President of the USA 
• Yao Yao, Professor of the Center for International Communication Studies at the Communication, University of China, Director of the Center for National Soft Power Research 

C. United Nations Summit of the Future, the Future of Global Governance

The Pact for the Future, adopted at the 2024 United Nations Summit of the Future, provides a roadmap for addressing global challenges through strengthened governance. This session will focus on the conditions required to translate the Pact’s commitments into action, emphasising the need for increased financing and the establishment of a robust accountability system as a tool for trust building. Participants will also examine the importance of political capital and the roles of key actors—such as the Global South, China, USA and the European Union—in driving this agenda forward, advancing reforms, and ensuring the Pact’s full implementation within a fragmented global context.

Facilitator: Ed Williams, President, Edelman International

Discussants:

• Danilo Türk, President of Slovenia (2007-2012) and President of Club de Madrid
• Kim Campbell, Prime Minister of Canada (1993)
• Moussa Mara, Prime Minister of Mali (2014-2015)
• Siddharth Chatterjee, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China
• Zhu Feng, Chair Professor and Dean of School of International Studies, Nanjing University, Executive Director of the Collaborative, Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University
• Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle, President of Chile (1994-2000)
• Csaba Kőrösi, 77th President of the United Nations General Assembly (2022-2023)
• Wang Wen, Dean of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies (RDCY)
• Andrés Allamand, Secretary General of the Ibero-American General Secretariat

D. AI & Green Technology for

Artificial intelligence (AI) and green technologies are reshaping global industries and societies, offering solutions to complex challenges such as climate change, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. This session will examine how these innovations can drive sustainable development while addressing risks related to inequality, geopolitical competition, and resource access. Discussions will focus on fostering inclusive governance frameworks, advancing international cooperation, and ensuring equitable benefits for the Global South. Participants will also explore how major powers and global platforms can align efforts to maximise the potential of these technologies for environmental sustainability. 

Facilitator: Xue Lan, Distinguished Professor of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Tsinghua University, Dean, Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University 

Discussants: 

• Petre Roman, Prime Minister of Romania (1989-1991) 
• Esko Aho, Prime Minister of Finland (1991-1995) 
• Rosen Plevneliev, President of Bulgaria (2012-2017) 
• Leonel Fernández, President of the Dominican Republic (1996-2000, 2004-2012) 
• Elbegdorj Tsakhia, Prime Minister of Mongolia (1998, 2004-2006) and President of Mongolia (2009-2017)  
• Mladen Ivanić, President of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2014-2018)  
• Pilar Manchón, Senior Director of Engineering, AI Research Strategy, Google 
• Xiang Songzuo, Former Chief Economist of Agricultural Bank of China, Director of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Finance Institute in Shenzhen 
• Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO 
• Sanjay Puri, Founder and President of RegulatingAI 

E. Sustainable Development and the Second World Social Summit

The upcoming Second Summit for Social Development in 2025 offers a platform to address persistent inequalities, economic uncertainty, and social challenges through a renewed commitment to people and planet-centred development. This session will explore shared expectations for the Summit, including universal social protection, the future of work, the care economy, and addressing the social development needs of youth. Participants will also examine the social implications of ageing populations in some regions and predominantly youthful demographics in others. The discussion aims to address the need for a renewed social contract, draw lessons from the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration, and advance policies that align social, economic, and environmental goals to leave no one behind.

Facilitator: Cristina Manzano, Director of External Relations of Ibero-American General Secretariat, Club de Madrid and Representative of Constituent Foundation FRIDE  

Discussants: 

• Carlos Alvarado, President of Costa Rica (2018-2022) 
• Cassam Uteem, President of Mauritius (1992-2002) 
• James Michel, President of Seychelles (2004-2016) 
• Yao Yao, Professor of the Center for International Communication Studies at the Communication, University of China, Director of the Center for National Soft Power Research 
• Han Seung-soo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea (2008-2009) and Vice President of Club de Madrid 
• Chiril Gaburici, Prime Minister of Moldova (2015) 
• Zhu Feng, Chair Professor and Dean of School of International Studies, Nanjing University, Executive Director of the Collaborative, Innovation Center of South China Sea Studies, Nanjing University 
• Filip Vujanović, President of Montenegro (2003-2018) 
• Maria João Rodrigues, President of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies 
• Zheng Yu, Professor, Head of Department of International Politics, School of International Relations and Public Affairs (SIRPA), Fudan University 

F. People-to-people Exchanges for Mutual Understanding

In an increasingly interconnected but fragmented world, people-to-people exchanges play a key role in fostering mutual understanding and enhancing cultural dialogue. This session will explore how these initiatives can promote trust and cooperation, while addressing practical barriers to meaningful intercultural interaction. Participants will discuss strategies to amplify diverse voices, engage younger generations, and ensure that these exchanges adapt to the needs of a changing global landscape, contributing to greater social cohesion and mutual respect.

Facilitator: Li Cheng, Professor of Department of Politics and Public Administration of the University of Hong Kong, Founding Director of the Centre on Contemporary China and the World (CCCW) 

Discussants: 

• Valdis Birkavs, Prime Minister of Latvia (1993-1994) 
• Kjell Magne Bondevik, Prime Minister of Norway (1997-2000, 2001-2005) 
• Ivo Josipović, President of Croatia (2010-2015) 
• Rexhep Meidani, President of Albania (1997-2002) 
• Jigmi Yoser Thinley, Prime Minister of Bhutan (2008-2013)  
• Petar Stoyanov, President of Bulgaria (1997-2002) 
• Nathalie de Gaulle, Vice-chair of Teneo 
• Tse Kwok Leung, Senior Research Fellow (Honorary) of Lau Chor Tak Institute of Global Economics and Finance (IGEF), The Chinese University of Hong Kong 
• Javier Torá, Founder and President of ES Grupo 
• Qi Liling, President of Puente China Holding S.L, President of Shenzhen Industry and Commerce Association in Spain 

Concluding Remarks: 

• Danilo Türk, President of Slovenia (2007-2012) and President of Club de Madrid 
• Carlos Moreno Blanco, Director-General for North America, Eastern Europe, and Asia-Pacific, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain 
• Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries 
• Dr. Chau Chak Wing, President of the Australia China Friendship and Exchange Association, Chair of the Asia-Pacific Region of World Leadership Alliance – Club de Madrid President’s Circle, Co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center Global Circle