The 36th St. Gallen Symposium, on the subject of “Inspiring Europe”,
was held on the campus of the University of St. Gallen from 18–20 May 2006. In keeping with this event’s
tradition as a forum for the international and multidisciplinary exchange of ideas, 600 decision-makers
discussed pressing issues and long-term challenges of our times together with 200 selected students
from over 50 countries.
Inspiring, or in need of inspiration – in an
era when the mutual dependency between the regions of the world is changing more completely and rapidly
than ever before, and with Europe seemingly caught up in the demanding process of coming to terms with
its future role, the discussions focused on “Inspiring Europe” as a highly topical subject of the utmost
global relevance. The “old continent” has much to offer, and the entire world would benefit significantly
if Europe finds its way back to strength and dynamism. But what if Europe keeps on running on the spot,
embroiled in quarrels and failing to contribute its strengths whole-heartedly? What can Europe learn
from America and the emerging economies of Asia? How will Europe, as the world’s largest single market,
return to being a strong source of impetus for the global economy? In which areas is Europe a model
for other regions of the world, and to what extent will it remain so? The 36th St. Gallen Symposium
offered a forum for a multi-faceted and subtly nuanced examination of these and other questions in Keynote
Sessions, Work Sessions and Special Sessions.
This section of our Website
gives an in-depth insight into the opinions and visions advanced at the last St. Gallen Symposium. The
presentations not only demonstrate the practical relevance and expertise of the views put forward in
St. Gallen, but also the openness of the dialogue at St. Gallen towards new and unconventional solutions.
In this way, the International Students’ Committee (ISC) hopes to encourage discussion of Europe’s future
role above and beyond the “3 Days in May”, and would like to take this opportunity to offer renewed
cordial thanks for their commitment to the outstanding faculty members as well as the prize-winning
students whose presentations lent decisive impetus to the discussion. Our special thanks are due to
the brilliant Chairmen, Lord Griffiths of Fforestfach and Mark C. Medish, who guided us masterfully
through the programme with expertise and skill, repeatedly showing their impressive ability to forge
links between participants and presenters.
The entire 36th ISC-Team also
offers sincere thanks to the members of the Board of Trustees of the St. Gallen Foundation for International
Studies and especially to its Chairman, Dr. Josef Ackermann. The valuable support and great personal
commitment of the members of the Board of Trustees played a key part in the success of the 36th St. Gallen
Symposium.
As members of the Support Crew, 200 students of the
University of St. Gallen ensured the smooth operation of the Symposium thanks to their initiative and
exceptional personal commitment, making a major contribution towards the unique atmosphere on the campus
of the University of St. Gallen by offering personal assistance to the 1,000 participants. All of them
merit our sincere thanks.
In addition, the ISC thanks all its partners
and especially the 400 members of its Circle of Benefactors who provide the cornerstone for the ongoing
development of the ISC thanks to their ideological and financial commitment. We would also like to thank
the University of St. Gallen and its President, Prof. Dr. Ernst Mohr, for the generous privileges we
have enjoyed as guests for so many years at our alma mater.
Last but
not least, the 36th ISC-Team thanks the 600 participants whose attendance enabled the dialogue at St. Gallen
to become a reality once more.
