Munich Young Leaders

The Munich Young Leaders program is a joint project of the Munich Security Conference and Körber-Stiftung which brings together decision-makers of tomorrow and supports them in enhancing their international networks. The Munich Young Leaders discuss current foreign and security policy issues with high-ranking participants of the Munich Security Conference and are invited to an annual reunion, as well as selected additional events organized by the Munich Security Conference and Körber-Stiftung.

MYL Annual Meeting 2025

Lisboa, September 4–6, 2025

Background

The Munich Young Leaders (MYL) program is a joint project by the Munich Security Conference (MSC) and Körber-Stiftung with the aim to bring together decision-makers of tomorrow, to engage them in debates on foreign and security policy, and to support them in strengthening their international networks. Since its foundation in 2009, over 330 talented minds from over 70 countries and a wide range of professional backgrounds have become part of this distinguished group. Among them are ministers, members of parliament, senior civil servants, commanders, and leading political experts from some of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

Munich Young Leaders 2025

Meet the Munich Young Leaders 2025.

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Format

Every year, a new cohort of the Munich Young Leaders is given the opportunity to attend the annual Munich Security Conference, where they can take part in discussion sessions and interact with high-ranking personalities and key decision-makers on current foreign and security policy issues. In addition to the gathering of the new cohort in Munich, the MSC and Körber-Stiftung regularly invite all MYL to come together at Annual Meetings organized in cooperation with a small alumni group from a host country. Previous gatherings have been held in Washington, DC, Moscow, Berlin, Kyiv, Rabat, Madrid, New York, Tallinn, and New Delhi. At Annual Meetings, MYL alumni meet with leading government representatives and senior experts from the host country for interactive discussions on pressing regional and global foreign policy and security challenges. Throughout the year, some MYL are also invited to selected additional events organized by the MSC and Körber-Stiftung.

The Selection Process

Every year, a new cohort of 25 outstanding and diverse talents becomes part of the MYL network. The MSC and Körber-Stiftung nominate the young leaders in close cooperation based on candidates proposed by the German Embassies in a varying selection of countries.

Past Events

Annual Meeting in London 2024

From September 5 to 7, 2024, the Munich Young Leaders (MYL) Annual Meeting took place in London, United Kingdom (UK), gathering alumni and members of the current 2024 cohort from around the globe. Held shortly after the United Kingdom’s recent elections, the meeting provided a forum for discussions on pressing global issues such as the future of the global order, developments in Ukraine and the Middle East, and economic security.

Summary

London

Munich Young Leaders Annual Meeting

From September 5 to 7, 2024, the Munich Young Leaders (MYL) Annual Meeting took place in London, United Kingdom (UK), gathering alumni and members of the current 2024 cohort from around the globe.

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