The German Symposium 2019
“Pioneering Change”
Where: LSE
When: 5 to 8 February 2019
Lent Term is here which means exciting events are waiting for you!
One event you should not miss out on is The German Symposium 2019. Why, you ask?
In 2002, German students at LSE initiated this event, and it has now become the symposium to debate Germany’s relation and role within Europe and the world. Over four days you have the opportunity to attend complex political and philosophical panels and debates with notable guest speakers from politics, economics and academia. Guest speakers from previous symposiums include the German Minister of Defense, Dr Ursula von der Leyen, and former German Vice chancellor Philipp Rösler among others.
The Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Keynote talk is the highlight of the event (Friday 8th February, 6 p.m. Old Theatre). He is Germany’s Federal Minister of Finance and one of the most powerful politicians in Germany after Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Here are eight reasons why you should attend this symposium:
1.) The LSE German Society organises this whole event, and it is inspiring to see what this society set up and their work throughout the years! It’s become a platform for international visitors to attend and discuss highly significant issues within our society. Let’s support our students to build a dialogue where one is needed!
2.) Ralf Speth, the CEO of Jaguar Landrover and Hiltrud Werner, a board member at Volkswagen are speaking on the 5 February at 6pm about the challenges in the automotive industry. The German automotive industry is one of the largest employers worldwide and known for their excellence. However, how is the industry recovering after the various emissions scandals? Your chance to ask the right questions!
3.) Keen for an inspiring opening speech? Peter Wittig will for sure provide it. The German Ambassador to the United Kingdom, who has also been Germany's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and has worked as the President of the United Nations Security Council twice, will open the symposium. Save the date and join us on 5 February at 9am to listen to his speech.
4.) Let’s talk about fake news! Klaus Scherer, journalist and publishing author who worked as a correspondent in Tokyo and Washington D.C. will be speaking at an intimate event, discussing the issue of fake news and misinformation in the media sphere. Don’t miss this opportunity!
5.) Technology evolves so fast, and it is hard to keep up. How much do you know about financial technology, or aka "Fintech"? Anyone seeking knowledge in technological, financial methods, you should join the panel with Christopher Grätz the CEO of Kapilendo. Join us in discussing the future at the German Symposium 2019.
6.) Have you ever heard Cem Özdemir, MP for the German Green Party (die Grünen/Bündnis 90) and Philippa Whitford, MP for the SNP speak at a panel about Brexit and how Anglo-German relations could evolve post-Brexit? Then you should make sure to be there on 8 February at 10am to get more ideas on which ways the Brexit process could take.
7.) Strong-women-in-high-positions alert! Janina Kugel, the CHRO of Siemens and Simone Menne the former Lufthansa CFO, Member of the Advisory Board for BMW AG and Deutsche Post DHL AG will speak at a panel focusing on the challenges of automation and artificial intelligence, and we cannot wait to hear from women in mostly male-dominated industries.
8.) The best was saved for last. Join the Symposium to discuss pressing topics not only with renowned politicians, economists and leading experts, but also with scholars studying in Germany and your fellow LSE students, to start a dialogue in a metropolitan city like London.
Hope to see you at The German Symposium 2019 for some excellent and engaging discussions!
For more information, visit http://germansymposium.co.uk.
Written by LSE Social Media Ambassador Nadja Wipp