Delegation trips
Study Trip
Our study trips enable our members to travel to high-growth countries – especially the B(R)ICS+ group –, expand their personal and professional networks, and gain new perspectives.
We go there
Over the past 15 years, our delegations have had the opportunity to travel to dozens regions of geostrategic importance including China, repeatedly, Russia (suspended since 2022), India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, Israel as well as the Palestinian Territories, and many more.
Programs
At these fascinating locations, our members engage in CEO lunches to discuss trade issues, exchange views with leading thinktank researchers, join interactive workshops, and debate current political topics with ministers. They also engage with religious representatives, explore art galleries, take guided tours of historical monuments, and visit culturally significant venues, whether Zoroastrian fire temples, Tibetan opera houses, Rwandan tea factories, or Russian monasteries.
3-4
Per year
Through the flexible selection of destinations, we create new momentum and get to know the key players on the ground who are shaping the global order of tomorrow.
Study Trips since 2012
Our delegation trips have taken our members to Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Starting in 2026, we will add Latin America to our annual program.
Countries visited frequently
To build reliable bridges worldwide, we regularly visit the B(R)ICS countries, and China annually.
In focus
Study Trips to China
Partner, competitor, systemic rival? China’s rise as a global power is reshaping the international order in profound ways. Amid growing geopolitical and economic tensions, our Study Trips help strengthen our members’ understanding of the People’s Republic. Each year, Global Bridges brings German and European decision-makers to China to gain first-hand insights into the country’s political system, its economic transformation, and its evolving social fabric.
The thematic focus of our discussions with Chinese counterparts from politics, business, academia, and civil society has changed over time. However, visits to ministries, roundtable discussions with long-standing partner organizations, and exchanges with German companies on the ground remain key elements of the program.
Study Trips to China since 2010
17
Visited provinces
22
Delegation size
30
⌀ Cities per Study Trip
6
Discussion Formats
Global Forums
Through our Global Forums, we foster constructive dialogue between our members and distinguished international speakers in three thematic series. These interdisciplinary formats take place monthly – partly virtually, partly on-site – in Germany and beyond.
Geopolitics
The “Geopolitical Monitors” series observes tectonic shifts on the global stage, analyzing the geostrategy of individual countries or specific regions and their impact on the global order.
Global Economy
Our “Global Econ Sessions” examine the forces shaping global flows of capital and goods, including shifts in trade routes, the implementation of infrastructure initiatives, and the ongoing move toward de-dollarization.
Society
The “Cosmopolitan Talks” address major contemporary trends, including the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, the effects of climate change, and strategies for global health.
In focus
Walther Leisler Kiep Symposium
The symposium was launched in 2016 to mark the 90th birthday of our founding chairman, Dr. h.c. Walther Leisler Kiep†, and has since become a recurring highlight in our event calendar. Every year in early summer, it brings together high-ranking personalities from politics, business, and society to shed light on current global challenges from their respective perspectives. In speeches, panels, and interviews, renowned experts link international issues with regional experiences together with our members – and reflect on the findings of the Study Trips.
Promotion of young talent
Young Leaders Program
Our Young Leaders Program brings together young leaders from around the world and provides a platform to exchange views on common challenges.
Conferences
Every year we organize three Young Leaders conferences. Participation in these multi-day discussion forums featuring high-ranking speakers and a cultural supporting program serves as young executives' gateway to our renowned alumni network.
Alumni Network
Our Young Leaders Program offers a unique global network that spans industries and generations, comprising more than 1,000 Young Leaders alumni from more than 40 countries. This network provides partners with access to a wide range of expertise as well as an exclusive platform to showcase themselves.
Engagement
Regular regional meetings and biennial Reunions allow Young Leaders Alumni from the same regions to build lasting and trusted connections. As hosts, Alumni have the opportunity to present themselves and their companies, and to highlight topics of relevance. Alumni have the opportunity to introduce themselves and their companies and to highlight their areas of focus.
Our Young Leaders
Young Leaders are between 27 and 40 years old and have already gained relevant professional experience. They are either nominated by our members and partners or apply through the public call for applications. In both cases, they go through a structured selection process.
Average age
31
Female participants
40%
Average years of work experience
5
Economic Background
50%
Our Conferences
The global networking of the next generation is close to our hearts: in bilateral formats with China, India, and Türkiye, we facilitate dialogue with the most dynamic economic powers of our time. Participants at our three conferences discuss key issues for the future—with the goal of creating a resilient global network that thinks and acts across borders.
Chinese-German Young Leaders Conference
The Chinese-German Young Leaders Conference was founded in 2012 by Global Bridges and the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and China. With the exception of a pandemic-related pause, the conference has taken place annually – alternating between China and Germany. The German participants are nominated by members, sponsors, and partners of Global Bridges, while the Chinese participants are selected by the CPIFA.
Indo-German Young Leaders Conference
The Indo-German Young Leaders Conference was established in 2016 as Indo-German Young Leaders Forum (IGYLF) created by the association of the same name. In 2024, Global Bridges and IGYLF signed a Memorandum of Understanding, to host annual conferences in the future alternately in Germany and India, where current topics of bilateral importance are discussed. Members, sponsors, and partners of Global Bridges can nominate young leaders to participate, or interested parties can apply directly via the website of IGYLF.
Turkish-German Young Leaders Conference
In autumn 2026, the Turkish-German Young Leaders Conference will be launched. It builds on the success of the existing bilateral Young Leaders formats with China and India and deepens one of Europe's most significant relationships. The goal is to bring together emerging leaders from both countries into an open dialogue on shared global and regional challenges. In the future, the conference will take place annually, alternating between Türkiye and Germany. Members, sponsors, and partners of Global Bridges can nominate young leaders for participation.
European-American Young Leaders Conference (discontinued)
The format was first introduced in 1973 as German-American Conference of the Atlantik-Brücke initiated and, since 2010, continued by Global Bridges as the European-American Young Leaders Conference. The participants represent not only countries of the European Union or the United States, but all of Europe and North America. The venues are locations of geostrategic importance – from Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Balkans to Northern Iraq. Members, sponsors, and partners of Global Bridges can nominate young leaders for participation.
Young Leaders Conferences since 2010
We build on half a century of experience in bringing together young leaders.
Represented countries
Our young leaders come not only from Germany, but from all European countries, China, India, the USA, as well as parts of the Middle East and Central Asia.
Reunions
Since 2012, we have been hosting regular, multi-day gatherings to strengthen cohesion and dialogue between cohorts and formats.
Our Events
Travel to places of geostrategic importance, conferences at the crossroads of world history, and discussion formats on substantive issues with relevant participants define our calendar of events. Unless otherwise indicated, participation in these events is by invitation only.
Our Feed
On LinkedIn, we share what moves us: we look back at past activities, inspiring encounters, and share information on upcoming events and initiatives.
Interested?
We create exciting opportunities for members, young leaders, partners, and employees.