PDF《Preface》

Preface Every year in May, a group of diverse and eminent personali- ties from all over the world embark on a journey to the University of St.

Gallen in Switzerland. Here, the International Students'

Committee (ISC) seeks to realise its vision of a top- level intergenerational and interdisciplinary exchange of ideas by bringing together the global élite of entrepreneurs, business leaders, politicians and scientists with a cross- section of gifted young students at the St. Gallen Symposium. During the

3 Days in May , today'

s leaders and those of the future are invited to savour the St. Gallen Spirit by discours- ing and interacting with their peers, mentors and successors from around the globe, by expounding or hearing uncon- ventional ideas in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere that stimulates mutual trust with the common objective of considering and developing solutions to the key issues of our time. Over the past years, it has been my privilege to be involved in the evolution and growing success of this distinguished and unique initiative. It is with great pleasure that I encourage you to join me in constructive debate and open dialogue at the St. Gallen Symposium. Dr. Josef Ackermann Chairman of the Board of Trustees St. Gallen Foundation for International Studies

1 2 The entire event, which attracts top business leaders for three days in May each year, is not only put together and run by students. It has also become an occasion for propagating entrepreneurial ideals and boosting the morale of Europe'

s businessmen. The Wall Street Journal It is a very powerful way of putting forward and introducing ideas. BBC The Swiss St. Gallen Symposium in May, the first management conference organised by students: an event with a special character. The Economist The neutral university setting allows partici- pants to abandon the formality normally imposed by their titles, and encourages an open- ness usually reserved for private discussions. Newsweek

4 Christine Lagarde and Prof. Amartya Sen Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and Thierry Moulonguet A Unique Idea

3 What are the long-term challenges confronting entrepre- neurs, top managers and leaders in politics and civil society from around the world? What are the duties of those who assume positions of responsibility and influence today? What are the issues that students, as future decision-makers, worry about? What concerns do they raise for those who make the fundamental decisions of today? Every year, at the St. Gallen Symposium, these two perspec- tives come together in a global context.

600 leaders from around the world enter into an inspiring, multidisciplinary exchange of ideas with

200 exceptional students. With the campus of the University of St. Gallen as a backdrop, the participants discuss the pressing issues faced not only by business in dealing with its economic, political and social environment, but also by government and society as a whole. The St. Gallen Symposium is an initiative of the International Students'

Committee (ISC) at the University of St. Gallen. For more than three decades, the ISC has been promoting a discussion about the burning issues associated with global development and has staked out an entrepreneurial, liberal and optimistic position. This stance forms the foundation for the openness, intellectual stimulation and dynamics experi- enced at the Symposium. Internationally, the St. Gallen Symposium is unique C both as a student initiative and as a meeting place for dialogue between the decision-makers of today and tomorrow. The mix of the participants, different gener- ations of public and private life, is a remark- able feature of this Symposium. This way of exchange is very valuable for organisations like NATO. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer NATO I really enjoyed the special atmosphere and spirit at this perfectly organised Symposium. Hearing and discussing so many different and inspiring viewpoints is of crucial importance in these times. Thierry Moulonguet Renault S.A. I am very impressed by the superb level of organisation and the vision and imagination shown in getting people together. Prof. Amartya Sen Nobel Prize Laureate in Economics Franz Fehrenbach, Robert Bosch GmbH, during a Work Session