The Third Annual International Strategy Forum Global Summit Highlights Emerging Geopolitical Leaders

Overview of the Third Annual International Strategy Forum

The Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) recently hosted its much-anticipated third annual International Strategy Forum (ISF) Global Summit in Taipei from February 26 to March 1, 2025. This year, the event brought together 80 emerging leaders from around the world, each selected for the 2025 ISF Fellowship due to their commitment and expertise in areas intersecting geopolitics and technology.

Eric Schmidt, chair of SCSP, emphasized the importance of this unique fellowship, stating, "We founded the International Strategy Forum in 2020 because we wanted to assemble people at the intersection of geopolitics and technology. The past five years have validated our mission as global challenges become increasingly complex." This sentiment reflects the urgent need for interdisciplinary solutions to multifaceted global issues.

Fellowship Highlights

During the summit, fellows participated in a rich program that included a fireside chat with Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and various interactions with local leaders. These engagements allowed participants to explore Taiwan's pivotal role in regional and global dynamics, particularly on key themes for 2025: the Future of Global Security, the Future of Innovation Power, and the Future of Resilient Democratic Societies. Additionally, the fellows had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Taiwanese culture through various excursions, enhancing their understanding of the local context.

Interdisciplinary Approach

The ISF aims to cultivate a diverse network of problem solvers aged 25 to 35 from different backgrounds, including government, academia, civil society, and industry. This intentionally interdisciplinary environment allows fellows to address a wide range of pressing issues, such as artificial intelligence, biosecurity, energy transition, economic and trade policy, geopolitical risks, and more. By creating connections across sectors and borders, ISF seeks to generate collaborative solutions to difficult global problems.

Ylli Bajraktari, President of the SCSP, highlighted the significance of the fellowship: "The International Strategy Forum is a world-class fellowship bringing together the leaders of tomorrow. It is our pride to lead this program that builds a network dedicated to confronting the toughest challenges our world faces today."

The inaugural cohort in 2021 set the stage for a distinctive leadership experience that emphasizes collaboration and innovation. Through this program, ISF aims to mitigate challenges through collective expertise and shared values, fostering an environment where future leaders can thrive.

Looking Ahead

The announcement of the new cohort marks a significant step towards addressing the complexities of global governance in the coming years. With a collective focus on resilience and innovation, these fellows are positioned to play influential roles in shaping the future landscape of international relations and technology.

To learn more about each fellow and their areas of expertise, visit International Strategy Forum Fellows.

Conclusion

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the International Strategy Forum are essential in nurturing the next generation of leaders equipped to tackle intricate issues. The commitment to fostering interdisciplinary discourse and collaboration remains a critical aspect of achieving effective solutions in today's interconnected world.