48forward Festival
24-25 November 2025
24-25 November 2025
• München
• München

48FORWARD
FESTIVAL

48forward Festival

48forward Festival
24-25 November 2025
• München

48FORWARD
FESTIVAL

Debating possible futures

The 48forward Festival brings together the leading minds of our time to debate the relevant questions of the future. With a clear mission: visionary ideas and inspiring conversations that enable real change. Those who wish to actively shape the future will find here the impulses and connections to think ahead and act sustainably.

100%

100%

100%

Debates, interviews and content instead of PowerPoint slides and sales pitches

50+

50+

50+

Inspiring minds on stage

500+

500+

500+

Decision makers in the audience

10+

10+

10+

Masterclasses and Q&A sessions

2

2

2

Days packed with insights

on stage

The speakers at the 48forward Festival are handpicked: thought leaders, CEOs and experts who set new standards.
Their unique expertise provides fresh impulses for forward-looking discussions and genuine change.

Former President of the Federal Republic of Germany

Christian Wulff

Committed to social justice and intercultural dialogue. An influential speaker and advisor for democracy and the rule of law.

Christian Wulff

Former President of the Federal Republic of Germany

Christian Wulff

Committed to social justice and intercultural dialogue. An influential speaker and advisor for democracy and the rule of law.

Christian Wulff

Former President of the Federal Republic of Germany

Christian Wulff

Committed to social justice and intercultural dialogue. An influential speaker and advisor for democracy and the rule of law.

Christian Wulff

Former President of the Republic of Estonia

Toomas Hendrik Ilves

Shaping the European agenda, committed to digital innovation and cybersecurity. Influential thinker in politics and technology.

Toomas Hendrik Ilves

Former President of the Republic of Estonia

Toomas Hendrik Ilves

Shaping the European agenda, committed to digital innovation and cybersecurity. Influential thinker in politics and technology.

Toomas Hendrik Ilves

Former President of the Republic of Estonia

Toomas Hendrik Ilves

Shaping the European agenda, committed to digital innovation and cybersecurity. Influential thinker in politics and technology.

Toomas Hendrik Ilves

Lawyer, journalist and writer

Ece Temelkuran

Political thought leader and bestselling author, sharpens global awareness of democracy, populism and social resilience.

Lawyer, journalist and writer

Ece Temelkuran

Political thought leader and bestselling author, sharpens global awareness of democracy, populism and social resilience.

Lawyer, journalist and writer

Ece Temelkuran

Political thought leader and bestselling author, sharpens global awareness of democracy, populism and social resilience.

Chairman of the Supervisory Boards of Siemens Energy AG and Daimler Truck Holding AG

Joe Kaeser

Thought leader of inclusive capitalism, transforming industries with visionary leadership and social responsibility.

Joe Kaeser

Chairman of the Supervisory Boards of Siemens Energy AG and Daimler Truck Holding AG

Joe Kaeser

Thought leader of inclusive capitalism, transforming industries with visionary leadership and social responsibility.

Joe Kaeser

Chairman of the Supervisory Boards of Siemens Energy AG and Daimler Truck Holding AG

Joe Kaeser

Thought leader of inclusive capitalism, transforming industries with visionary leadership and social responsibility.

Joe Kaeser

President of the International Auschwitz Committee

Dr. Eva Umlauf

Holocaust survivor, physician, and witness to history; advocates powerfully for remembrance, human dignity, and the protection of democratic values.

President of the International Auschwitz Committee

Dr. Eva Umlauf

Holocaust survivor, physician, and witness to history; advocates powerfully for remembrance, human dignity, and the protection of democratic values.

President of the International Auschwitz Committee

Dr. Eva Umlauf

Holocaust survivor, physician, and witness to history; advocates powerfully for remembrance, human dignity, and the protection of democratic values.

Journalist and podcaster

Paul Ronzheimer

Experienced reporter focusing on crisis and war zones. Fearless, precise, and always close to the significant events.

Journalist and podcaster

Paul Ronzheimer

Experienced reporter focusing on crisis and war zones. Fearless, precise, and always close to the significant events.

Journalist and podcaster

Paul Ronzheimer

Experienced reporter focusing on crisis and war zones. Fearless, precise, and always close to the significant events.

Journalist and author

Marieke Reimann

Journalist with an Eastern and future perspective - she advocates for diversity in the media and makes Eastern-Western issues audible and visible.

Marieke Reimann

Journalist and author

Marieke Reimann

Journalist with an Eastern and future perspective - she advocates for diversity in the media and makes Eastern-Western issues audible and visible.

Marieke Reimann

Journalist and author

Marieke Reimann

Journalist with an Eastern and future perspective - she advocates for diversity in the media and makes Eastern-Western issues audible and visible.

Marieke Reimann

Member of the German Bundestag, lawyer, author, publicist & moderator

Dr. Gregor Gysi

Influential politician and lawyer, known for his role in the Left. Sets foreign policy highlights and is a successful author.

Dr. Gregor Gysi

Member of the German Bundestag, lawyer, author, publicist & moderator

Dr. Gregor Gysi

Influential politician and lawyer, known for his role in the Left. Sets foreign policy highlights and is a successful author.

Dr. Gregor Gysi

Member of the German Bundestag, lawyer, author, publicist & moderator

Dr. Gregor Gysi

Influential politician and lawyer, known for his role in the Left. Sets foreign policy highlights and is a successful author.

Dr. Gregor Gysi

Bavarian State Minister for Digital Affairs

Dr. Fabian Mehring

Politician and digital expert. Shaping Bavaria's future at the intersection of innovation, administration, and society.

Bavarian State Minister for Digital Affairs

Dr. Fabian Mehring

Politician and digital expert. Shaping Bavaria's future at the intersection of innovation, administration, and society.

Bavarian State Minister for Digital Affairs

Dr. Fabian Mehring

Politician and digital expert. Shaping Bavaria's future at the intersection of innovation, administration, and society.

Geopolitical Strategic Intelligence Advisor and Fellow of The Council of Competitive Intelligence Fellows

Suki Fuller

Applying intelligence to drive ethical and effective innovation with experience spanning sectors from defence to emerging tech.

Geopolitical Strategic Intelligence Advisor and Fellow of The Council of Competitive Intelligence Fellows

Suki Fuller

Applying intelligence to drive ethical and effective innovation with experience spanning sectors from defence to emerging tech.

Geopolitical Strategic Intelligence Advisor and Fellow of The Council of Competitive Intelligence Fellows

Suki Fuller

Applying intelligence to drive ethical and effective innovation with experience spanning sectors from defence to emerging tech.

Former Chief of Staff of Eurocorps

Kay Brinkmann

Brigadier General with international experience. Committed to strategic vision, responsibility, and transatlantic cooperation.

Former Chief of Staff of Eurocorps

Kay Brinkmann

Brigadier General with international experience. Committed to strategic vision, responsibility, and transatlantic cooperation.

Former Chief of Staff of Eurocorps

Kay Brinkmann

Brigadier General with international experience. Committed to strategic vision, responsibility, and transatlantic cooperation.

Leiter der Steuergruppe Aufbau INNO in der Abteilung Innovation und Cyber des Bundesministerium der Verteidigung

Dr. Volker Pötzsch

Brigadegeneral, der Informatik und Führung vereint – gestaltet Deutschlands digitale Verteidigungsfähigkeit mit technischer Expertise und Klarheit.

Volker Pötzsch

Leiter der Steuergruppe Aufbau INNO in der Abteilung Innovation und Cyber des Bundesministerium der Verteidigung

Dr. Volker Pötzsch

Brigadegeneral, der Informatik und Führung vereint – gestaltet Deutschlands digitale Verteidigungsfähigkeit mit technischer Expertise und Klarheit.

Volker Pötzsch

Leiter der Steuergruppe Aufbau INNO in der Abteilung Innovation und Cyber des Bundesministerium der Verteidigung

Dr. Volker Pötzsch

Brigadegeneral, der Informatik und Führung vereint – gestaltet Deutschlands digitale Verteidigungsfähigkeit mit technischer Expertise und Klarheit.

Volker Pötzsch

Commander of the State Command Bayern of the Bundeswehr

Thomas Hambach

Brigadier General with a holistic view – shapes security with conviction, experience, and foresight.

Commander of the State Command Bayern of the Bundeswehr

Thomas Hambach

Brigadier General with a holistic view – shapes security with conviction, experience, and foresight.

Commander of the State Command Bayern of the Bundeswehr

Thomas Hambach

Brigadier General with a holistic view – shapes security with conviction, experience, and foresight.

Chairman of the Committee on National Security and Defense at the Lithuanian Parliament

Giedrimas Jeglinskas

Security politician with NATO experience, leads the Defence Committee of the Seimas and brings international expertise.

Chairman of the Committee on National Security and Defense at the Lithuanian Parliament

Giedrimas Jeglinskas

Security politician with NATO experience, leads the Defence Committee of the Seimas and brings international expertise.

Chairman of the Committee on National Security and Defense at the Lithuanian Parliament

Giedrimas Jeglinskas

Security politician with NATO experience, leads the Defence Committee of the Seimas and brings international expertise.

Head of Department ZMZ in the Operational Command of the Bundeswehr

Armin Schaus

Colonel (retired), who combines operational experience with strategic thinking and advocates for connected security and whole-of-society resilience.

Armin Schaust

Head of Department ZMZ in the Operational Command of the Bundeswehr

Armin Schaus

Colonel (retired), who combines operational experience with strategic thinking and advocates for connected security and whole-of-society resilience.

Armin Schaust

Head of Department ZMZ in the Operational Command of the Bundeswehr

Armin Schaus

Colonel (retired), who combines operational experience with strategic thinking and advocates for connected security and whole-of-society resilience.

Armin Schaust

Neuroscientist and professor at the University of Oxford

Prof. Dr. Newton Howard

Develops AI-controlled brain-computer interfaces for the treatment of neurological disorders.

Prof. Dr. Newton Howard

Neuroscientist and professor at the University of Oxford

Prof. Dr. Newton Howard

Develops AI-controlled brain-computer interfaces for the treatment of neurological disorders.

Prof. Dr. Newton Howard

Neuroscientist and professor at the University of Oxford

Prof. Dr. Newton Howard

Develops AI-controlled brain-computer interfaces for the treatment of neurological disorders.

Prof. Dr. Newton Howard

CEO and Co-Founder at IQM Quantum Computers

Dr. Jan Goetz

Develops groundbreaking quantum computers for science and industry.

Dr. Jan Goetz

CEO and Co-Founder at IQM Quantum Computers

Dr. Jan Goetz

Develops groundbreaking quantum computers for science and industry.

Dr. Jan Goetz

CEO and Co-Founder at IQM Quantum Computers

Dr. Jan Goetz

Develops groundbreaking quantum computers for science and industry.

Dr. Jan Goetz

CTO at Würth Elektronik eiSos

Alexander Gerfer

Pioneer of sustainable electronics, mentor for green start-ups, connecting technology with responsibility for the environment and society.

CTO at Würth Elektronik eiSos

Alexander Gerfer

Pioneer of sustainable electronics, mentor for green start-ups, connecting technology with responsibility for the environment and society.

CTO at Würth Elektronik eiSos

Alexander Gerfer

Pioneer of sustainable electronics, mentor for green start-ups, connecting technology with responsibility for the environment and society.

Chief Medical Officer EMEA at GE Healthcare

Prof. Dr. Mathias Goyen

Links clinical expertise with innovative approaches in radiology and oncology to advance global cooperation in healthcare.

Prof. Dr. Mathias Goyen

Chief Medical Officer EMEA at GE Healthcare

Prof. Dr. Mathias Goyen

Links clinical expertise with innovative approaches in radiology and oncology to advance global cooperation in healthcare.

Prof. Dr. Mathias Goyen

Chief Medical Officer EMEA at GE Healthcare

Prof. Dr. Mathias Goyen

Links clinical expertise with innovative approaches in radiology and oncology to advance global cooperation in healthcare.

Prof. Dr. Mathias Goyen

Philosopher, author and lecturer

Ariadne von Schirach

Links philosophy and Chinese thought with contemporary issues, their bestsellers explore desire, freedom, and the overcoming of fears.

Philosopher, author and lecturer

Ariadne von Schirach

Links philosophy and Chinese thought with contemporary issues, their bestsellers explore desire, freedom, and the overcoming of fears.

Philosopher, author and lecturer

Ariadne von Schirach

Links philosophy and Chinese thought with contemporary issues, their bestsellers explore desire, freedom, and the overcoming of fears.

Psychiatrist, psychotherapist & bestselling author

Dr. Pablo Hagemeyer

Analyzes narcissism and human depths precisely, connecting sharp psychology with provocative insights.

Psychiatrist, psychotherapist & bestselling author

Dr. Pablo Hagemeyer

Analyzes narcissism and human depths precisely, connecting sharp psychology with provocative insights.

Psychiatrist, psychotherapist & bestselling author

Dr. Pablo Hagemeyer

Analyzes narcissism and human depths precisely, connecting sharp psychology with provocative insights.

Festival Schedule

The 48forward Festival focuses on key themes of the future: from artificial intelligence and global security issues to sustainable innovations and corporate responsibility. It brings together visionary thinkers who not only discuss but also set new impulses to actively shape change.

DAY ONE

DAY TWO

09:00 - 09:30

Entry and registration

09:30 - 10:00

Opening

Daniel Fürg & Nico Lumma

Main Stage

10:00 - 13:00

The Future Of Democracy

In a world full of uncertainties, the question arises of how we defend and further develop the values of democracy. The track “The Future of Democracy” highlights central challenges: How do we protect our democratic principles in times of change? How do we convey the value of democracy to future generations? And how will democracy evolve to meet the demands of a complex, digital world? It's about finding answers to the questions of tomorrow – today.

Main Stage

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch Break

14:00 - 18:00

Defence In Uncertain Times

Europe is facing new security policy challenges that require a realignment of defence strategies. The track "Defence in Uncertain Times" questions how Europe can defend itself in the future and what role defence alliances will play in this. Additionally, the significance of international legal frameworks is discussed: What values and principles must be protected to ensure peace and stability? This track brings together experts to find answers to the pressing questions of our global security architecture.

Main Stage

18:00 - 22:00

Networking & Special Performances

DAY ONE

DAY TWO

09:00 - 09:30

Entry and registration

09:30 - 10:00

Opening

Daniel Fürg & Nico Lumma

Main Stage

10:00 - 13:00

The Future Of Democracy

In a world full of uncertainties, the question arises of how we defend and further develop the values of democracy. The track “The Future of Democracy” highlights central challenges: How do we protect our democratic principles in times of change? How do we convey the value of democracy to future generations? And how will democracy evolve to meet the demands of a complex, digital world? It's about finding answers to the questions of tomorrow – today.

Main Stage

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch Break

14:00 - 18:00

Defence In Uncertain Times

Europe is facing new security policy challenges that require a realignment of defence strategies. The track "Defence in Uncertain Times" questions how Europe can defend itself in the future and what role defence alliances will play in this. Additionally, the significance of international legal frameworks is discussed: What values and principles must be protected to ensure peace and stability? This track brings together experts to find answers to the pressing questions of our global security architecture.

Main Stage

18:00 - 22:00

Networking & Special Performances

DAY ONE

DAY TWO

09:00 - 09:30

Entry and registration

09:30 - 10:00

Opening

Daniel Fürg & Nico Lumma

Main Stage

10:00 - 13:00

The Future Of Democracy

In a world full of uncertainties, the question arises of how we defend and further develop the values of democracy. The track “The Future of Democracy” highlights central challenges: How do we protect our democratic principles in times of change? How do we convey the value of democracy to future generations? And how will democracy evolve to meet the demands of a complex, digital world? It's about finding answers to the questions of tomorrow – today.

Main Stage

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch Break

14:00 - 18:00

Defence In Uncertain Times

Europe is facing new security policy challenges that require a realignment of defence strategies. The track "Defence in Uncertain Times" questions how Europe can defend itself in the future and what role defence alliances will play in this. Additionally, the significance of international legal frameworks is discussed: What values and principles must be protected to ensure peace and stability? This track brings together experts to find answers to the pressing questions of our global security architecture.

Main Stage

18:00 - 22:00

Networking & Special Performances

Partner

The partners of the 48forward Festival play a central role: Without their valuable contribution, the inspiring debates and exchanges would not be possible. Through their support, they actively shape the future and play a crucial part in promoting groundbreaking ideas and innovations.

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Where is the event taking place?

I am interested in the masterclasses - where can I find more information?

I would like to book tickets, but my ordering process in the company is complex...

What language is spoken at the event?

Where can I park my car?

Can I arrive by public transport?

Where is the event taking place?

I am interested in the masterclasses - where can I find more information?

I would like to book tickets, but my ordering process in the company is complex...

What language is spoken at the event?

Where can I park my car?

Can I arrive by public transport?

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