Former European Commission President Romano Prodi, former President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Klaus, FT Commentator Martin Wolf, Former Editor of The Economist Bill Emmott, and OECD Trade Director Marion Jansen will headline an array of leading leaders in finance, politics, media, business and technology speaking at the inaugural edition of the Lugano Global Forum (LGF).

The event, to be held November 10-11, 2025, in partnership with the City of Lugano, is an invitation-only international meeting limited to 120 people. Its mission is “To Better Understand Our Rapidly Changing World” and the theme of Lugano Global Forum 2025 is “The Certainty of Uncertainty: Navigating The New World Disorder.”

With the City of Lugano and the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) as Partners, the Forum has been designed as an intimate but world-class gathering, with a focus this year on global trade, tariffs, geopolitics, economic prospects, and the rapidly growing impact of artificial intelligence.

“Our aim with the Lugano Global Forum is to return to the roots of these world economic summits, where quality is more important than quantity,” said Alan Friedman, veteran journalist and newly appointed Director of the Forum.
“The Lugano Global Forum is not a conference, it is a conversation — an encounter of leaders and ideas in an atmosphere of elegance and intimacy,” added Barbara Erskine, Programme Director.

“The City of Lugano is pleased to collaborate with the Lugano Global Forum,” said Michele Foletti, Mayor of Lugano. “We believe that our city is not only of the most beautiful places in Switzerland, but is also becoming an increasingly important center for business, innovation, and international dialogue and exchange.

As Academic Partner, USI is enhancing the educational aspect of the Lugano Global Forum by hosting the second day of the event, which is specifically focused on students. Representing USI will be Laurent Frésard, Full Professor of Finance, and Giovanni Barone Adesi, Professor Emeritus of Finance at the Faculty of Economics. They will provide an academic perspective on crucial issues in the global economy and markets.

"The Lugano Global Forum represents a valuable opportunity for our students: being able to interact directly with international leaders and experts enriches their education and encourages them to become informed and active citizens in a global context," said Luisa Lambertini, Rector of USI.

The Lugano Global Forum is made possible thanks to the Patronage of the City of Lugano, the academic partner USI and the founding sponsors: LGT Banca Svizzera S.A., Scavia Gioielli, Air Dynamic S.A., The View Lugano. The Official Media Partners are Corriere del Ticino and RSI, and La Stampa.

For further information please contact:
Barbara Erskine, Programme Director barbara@barbaraerskine.com
Roberta Lanzolla, Lugano Global Forum Press Office robertal92@hotmail.it
Or contact info@luganoglobalforum.org

Dedicated to Better Understanding Our Rapidly Changing World