The 2025 Concordia Annual Summit: A Global Call for Action

Now in its 15th year, the 2025 Concordia Annual Summit once again proved why it remains the largest and most inclusive nonpartisan gathering alongside the UN General Assembly. With more than a decade of experience uniting heads of state, business executives, NGO leaders, and innovators from around the world, this year’s Summit focused on transforming dialogue into action for a more equitable, sustainable, and secure future.

The program tackled six interconnected global themes—economy and trade, democracy and security, energy and climate, health, human rights, and technology—reflecting the most urgent challenges of our time.

Discussions on the global economy centered on how trade dynamics and supply chains are rapidly evolving amid shifting manufacturing patterns and geopolitical tensions. Speakers called for greater supply chain resilience, financial inclusion, and sustainable innovation, with a focus on empowering women, minorities, and small businesses—the backbone of global employment.

In the sphere of democracy, security, and geopolitical risk, participants stressed the need to rebuild trust in democratic institutions, counter misinformation, and promote cooperation across divided societies. The growing influence of artificial intelligence in policymaking and national defense was a recurring theme, sparking debate on how to ensure technology strengthens, rather than destabilizes, global governance.

Climate change and environmental transition also took center stage, as leaders confronted the escalating realities of extreme weather, resource scarcity, and the urgent need for low-emission economies. Businesses and policymakers agreed that sustainability is both an ethical obligation and a strategic advantage, with solutions such as green finance, carbon pricing, and clean technology driving innovation and economic opportunity.

On health opportunities and challenges, experts emphasized preventative care, mental health, and partnerships that bridge the gaps left by strained government systems. Artificial intelligence’s growing role in diagnostics and treatment offers hope for more proactive healthcare, but ensuring equitable access remains critical.

Human rights and social progress discussions reaffirmed that equity, justice, and opportunity remain the foundations of sustainable development. Cultural diplomacy and youth leadership were highlighted as essential tools for fostering inclusion and rebuilding trust in institutions. Empowering young people to take the lead on issues such as gender equality, child labor, and education was seen as a vital step toward long-term stability.

The technology theme tied the program together, spotlighting both the promise and peril of artificial intelligence and digital innovation. As AI reshapes global economies, leaders underscored the importance of closing digital divides, protecting privacy, and promoting transparency to ensure that the benefits of technology are shared by all.

Global Voices, Groundbreaking Conversations

This year’s Summit features an impressive roster of world leaders and changemakers. Among them are H.E. Ahmed Al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic; H.E. Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of the Republic of Latvia; H.E. Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia; H.E. Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania; H.E. Yamandú Orsi, President of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay; and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople–New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch.

Leading organizations are also bringing timely insights to the stage. Calamos Investments will explore the evolving state of the crypto industry and how institutional players are adapting to improve security and accessibility. AstraZeneca will share country-specific strategies to close gaps in care for breast cancer patients, while Gallup will unveil new findings from its report Trust in Global Institutions. Novartis Foundation will host a strategic dialogue on building proactive, preventative health systems in cities.

Adding to the energy of the day, Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, will receive Concordia’s Public Sector Leadership Award, the first of three Concordia Leadership Awards presented this year.

In one of the Summit’s most anticipated sessions, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi will reflect on 15 years since the passage of the Affordable Care Act and the lasting legacy of that landmark legislation. Actor Djimon Hounsou will lead a moving discussion on the experience of the African diaspora and the importance of cultural reconnection.

Lighthearted moments will also feature throughout the program. Sesame Workshop and special guest Elmo will join attendees to celebrate the organization’s legacy of education and innovation, and to share what’s next for the beloved global brand.

The agenda continues with Building a Prosperous Future: Strategies for Sustainable Economic Growth in Latin America, a high-level session exploring how the region can promote innovation, inclusion, and investment. In Voices of Diplomacy: Shaping America’s Role in the World, top U.S. envoys—including The Hon. Steve Witkoff, The Hon. Tom Barrack, and The Hon. Morgan Ortagus—will discuss diplomacy, statecraft, and U.S. engagement abroad.

The Summit also highlights women’s leadership through The Women’s Table: Networking Breakfast, a dedicated space for connection and collaboration around advancing gender equity in business and policy. Sports diplomacy will be in focus with The Road to World Cup 2026, where panelists will discuss North America’s preparations for the world’s biggest sporting event and its long-term legacy.

Malaria No More will launch a new report, Building Markets Through Stronger Health Systems, demonstrating how global health investments can drive development and economic stability. The QatarDebate Center will close the Summit with Shaping Tomorrow: Reflections from the Next Generation of Global Leaders, featuring young voices sharing how they plan to turn ideas into action.

A Platform for Collective Progress

From economic resilience to human rights, the 2025 Concordia Annual Summit stands as a global platform for collaboration and innovation. By uniting leaders from every sector and region, Concordia continues to champion dialogue that drives solutions—reminding the world that progress is only possible when partnership leads the way.

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PC: Vitruvius Productions and Victoria Kennedy

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