Delegation trips
Study Trip
Our Study Trips enable our members to explore high-growth countries, particularly in the BRICS+ 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 visit dozens of regions of geostrategic importance, including repeated visits to China, Russia (suspended since 2022), India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Iran, Israel, 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 2010
Our delegation trips have taken our members through Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Starting in 2026, we intend to include Latin America in our program.
Countries visited frequently
To build reliable bridges around the world, we travel to the BRICS+ countries on a regular basis, with a trip to China taking place annually.
In focus
Study Trips to China
Partner, competitor, systemic rival? China’s rise to global power has noticeably altered the international balance of power over the past decades. In a time of increasing geopolitical and economic tension, our Study Trips deepen our members’ understanding and expertise on China. Our annual trips provide German and European decision-makers with direct insight into China’s political system, economic transformation, and sense of identity.
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 influences on global financial and trade flows, such as changing trade routes, infrastructure initiatives, or the ongoing process of 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 inaugurated in 2016 to mark the 90th birthday of Global Bridges’ founding chairman, Dr. h.c. Walther Leisler Kiep†and has since become a recurring highlight in our schedule of activities. Each year in June, it brings together distinguished figures from politics, business, and civil society to shed light on current global challenges from their respective perspectives. In speeches, panels, and interviews, they connect international issues with regional experiences – and reflect together with our members on the insights gained from previous Study Trips.
Talent Development
Young Leaders Program
Our Young Leaders Program brings together emerging leaders from across the globe, providing a platform to discuss critical political, economic, and social issues.
Conferences
Each year, we organize one intercontinental (European-American) and two bilateral (German-Chinese and German-Indian) Young Leaders Conferences. Participation in these multi-day discussion forums, featuring high-level speakers and a cultural program, serves as the entry point for Young Leaders into our renowned alumni network.
Alumni Network
Our Young Leaders Program offers a unique global, interdisciplinary, and intergenerational network of over 1,000 Young Leaders from more than 40 countries. Partners gain access to diverse expertise and an exclusive platform to showcase their work.
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 present their topics.
Our Young Leaders
Young Leaders between the ages of 25 and 40, with initial relevant professional experience, are nominated by members and partners, and selected through a competitive application process.
⌀ Age
31
Female participants
40%
⌀ Years of work experience
5
Business Background
50%
Our conferences
We are dedicated to strengthening global connections among the next generation. Through bilateral formats with China and India, we facilitate dialogue with two of today’s most dynamic economic powers. Our annual program is complemented by an intercontinental conference held in regions of geostrategic importance, designed to deepen transatlantic understanding. Participants in our three conferences engage in discussions on key issues shaping the future – with the aim of building a resilient global network that thinks and acts beyond borders.
Chinese-German Young Leaders Conference
The Chinese-German Young Leaders Conference was initiated in 2012 by Global Bridges and the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and China. With the exception of a short pause during the pandemic, the conference has taken place annually – alternating between China and Germany. The 20 German participants are nominated by members, sponsors, and partners of Global Bridges, while the 20 Chinese participants are selected by CPIFA.
Indo-German Young Leaders Conference
The Indo-German Young Leaders Conference was established in 2016 as Indo-German Young Leaders Forum by the association of the same name. In 2024, Global Bridges and IGYLF signed a Memorandum of Understandingto co-host annual conferences alternating between Germany and India, focusing on current topics of bilateral relevance. Members, sponsors, and partners of Global Bridges can nominate Young Leaders, or interested individuals may apply directly via the IGYLF website.
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 originally launched in 1973 as the German-American Conference by Atlantik-Brücke and has been continued by Global Bridges since 2010 as the European-American Young Leaders Conference. Participants represent not only countries of the European Union or the United States, but the entirety of Europe and North America. The conferences have taken place in regions of geostrategic importance – from Central Asia and the Caucasus to the Balkans and Northern Iraq. Members, sponsors, and partners of Global Bridges can nominate Young Leaders.
Young Leaders Conferences since 2010
We build on half a century of experiences in bringing together Young Leaders.
Countries represented
Our Young Leaders come not only from Germany, but from across Europe, as well as from China, India, the United States, and parts of the Middle East and Central Asia.
Reunions
Since 2012, we have hosted regular multi-day gatherings to strengthen cohesion and dialogue between cohorts and program formats.
Our events
Our schedule of activities features delegation trips to geostrategic locations, conferences held at key flashpoints of world history, and high-level discussions on pressing global issues. Unless otherwise stated, participation in these events is by invitation only.
Our feed
On LinkedIn, we share what drives us: reflections on past activities, inspiring encounters, and announcements of upcoming events and initiatives.
Interested?
We create exiting opportunities for our members, Young Leaders, partners, and team.