Event Summary
Munich Young Leaders Alumni gather in London for the 2024 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. 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.
From September 5 to 7, 2024, more than 90 Munich Young Leaders from over 45 countries — alumni and members of the current cohort of 2024 — gathered in London for their Annual Meeting. The Munich Young Leaders program is a joint project by the Munich Security Conference (MSC) and Körber-Stiftung, bringing together decision-makers of tomorrow in the fields of foreign and security policy.
The official program commenced with a Welcome Reception at the German Embassy in London, where Ambassador Miguel Berger, MSC Chairman Ambassador Christoph Heusgen, and Nora Müller, Executive Director of International Affairs at Körber-Stiftung, extended a warm welcome to the attendees.
Ambassador Heusgen and Nora Müller underscored the significance of the record-high participation, reflecting a collective recognition of the need to unite across borders in addressing today’s global challenges.
Strategic Outlook on UK’s foreign policy and beyond
On September 5, the first official session featured an intimate exchange with Catherine West, Minister for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. She shared her insights on the future trajectory of UK foreign policy, with a particular focus on Indo-Pacific relations.
This session was followed by a discussion among the MYL on the evolving global order, examining what a multipolar world might look like. Panelists highlighted the key role of international institutions in adapting to this shift while upholding core values.
The day’s third session centered on Ukraine. Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The Economist, and Ben Wallace, former UK Secretary of State for Defence, joined MYL alumni in a dynamic discussion on international support for Ukraine, the future of European security, and the UK’s role in shaping both.
Multifaceted Global Challenges – Munich Young Leaders’ Outlook from London
In the afternoon, the conversation turned to migration and asylum policies with Tariq Ahmad, Member of the House of Lords and former Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations. His reflections on a forward-looking migration policy provided critical insights for the MYL.
The subsequent session focused on the Middle East, with panelists debating how regional and international actors can contribute to long-term stability and humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza. Another engaging discussion examined how to move beyond colonial legacies and build equitable partnerships within the Commonwealth.
Following a prestigious dinner in the historic buildings of the House of Lords, the day concluded with a Night Cap session on democracy in the super-election year of 2024. During the session, MYL alumni from different regions with upcoming elections reflected on the state of democracy worldwide.
Navigating Securonomics and Mental Health in Leadership
The final day of the program began at the Tate Modern, where the group explored the UK government's "Securonomics" vision within the broader context of globalization. Panelists discussed the impact of rising geopolitical tensions on economic and trade relations, as well as the balance between fostering domestic economic security and maintaining open international systems.
In a reflective concluding session, participants engaged in a candid brainstorming session on mental health and its intersection with working in the field of security. The MYL shared personal insights on managing mental well-being in high-pressure environments, and discussed the challenge of balancing professional and personal life.
The three-day event concluded with a boat trip on the Thames, an excursion to the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, followed by a visit to the Kew Gardens. This offered the MYL participants a chance to deepen their understanding of the UK’s diplomatic history and cultural heritage, providing a fitting end to an enriching and thought-provoking meeting.
