A flagship public diplomacy event where global leaders engage with the Black Sea area and beyond, the Aspen – GMF Bucharest Forum bridges Trans-Atlantic conversations and creates a process of reflection on the region and its impact within the international agendas.

The Aspen – GMF Bucharest Forum is a strategic convening at a multiregional intersection not only of geographies but also of economies and political spectrums. The Aspen – GMF Bucharest Forum offers a flagship public diplomacy event where global leaders engage with the Black Sea area and beyond, bridging Trans-Atlantic conversations and creating a process of reflection on the region and its impact within the international agendas.

The global landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by a palpable disarray in transatlantic relations and the emergence of what can be termed a “Geopolitical Recession.” This era is characterized by a weakening of established international norms, the rise of new power dynamics, and interconnected challenges spanning technology, economy, security, and the environment. The 14th edition of the Aspen – GMF Bucharest Forum aims to provide a crucial platform for in-depth discussion and strategic analysis of these critical shifts, fostering a renewed understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Bucharest offers a unique vantage point to examine the European dimension of these global disruptions and to facilitate a broader, inclusive dialogue.

The escalating divergence among global power centers has propelled the world into a state of polarization unprecedented in the last eight decades. The profound ramifications for societies, businesses, political ideologies, and established structures are increasingly evident. Amidst this era of rapid and unforeseen change, the question which arises naturally is: what next? The fundamental questions we shall seek to tackle during the two-day event are: What is the future trajectory of transatlantic relations and the broader geopolitical landscape? How will existing security architectures adapt to this evolving international environment? What are the prospects for democratic resilience and continued economic and technological advancement? As we navigate this demonstrable geopolitical recession, how shall we forge a new transatlantic and global order? It is within this critical framework that our distinguished forum, now in its fourteenth year, will convene for incisive dialogue aimed at identifying concrete responses and actionable solutions to the complex challenges that lie ahead. Building upon successful past editions, this year’s Aspen-GMF Bucharest Forum will reunite once more world-famous leaders, remarkable thinkers, policymakers, private and public sector experts, media representatives and journalists in a two-day conference consisting of various formats and engaging a diverse audience.