The 48forward Festival is the place where the future is thought about, formulated, and shaped. Leading minds from business, science, politics, and culture meet here to discuss, beyond the platitudes, what really matters: our shared future. Curated talks, in-depth discussions, and surprising encounters generate new impetus for leadership, innovation, and social responsibility.
In 2025, the festival will focus on the major tensions of our time: How do we secure democratic structures in an increasingly polarized world? What responsibility do companies bear in the age of artificial intelligence and geopolitical upheaval? And how can true transformation succeed – in leadership, education, and technology? The topics range from digital sovereignty and radical innovation culture to new models for cohesion and meaning. Always with an eye toward the future. Always with people who have something to say.
48forward isn't an event. It's a statement: for dialogue instead of dogma. For attitude instead of hype. For a tomorrow that we want to make better together.
On stage we are looking forward to, among others:
- Christian Wulff, former Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Former President of the Republic of Estonia
- Joe Kaeser, Chairman of the Supervisory Boards of Siemens Energy AG and Daimler Truck Holding AG
- Dr. Gregor Gysi, Member of the German Bundestag, Lawyer, Author, Publicist & Moderator
- Dr. Jan Goetz, CEO and Co-Founder at IQM Quantum Computers
- Mikko Hyppönen, Chief Research Officer at WithSecure
- Ariadne von Schirach, philosopher, author and lecturer
