Former European Commission President Romano Prodi, former President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Klaus, FT Commentator Martin Wolf, former Editor of The Economist Bill Emmott, and OECD Trade Director Marion Jansen headline an array of prominent leaders in finance, politics, media, business, and technology speaking at the inaugural edition of the Lugano Global Forum (LGF).

The event is held on November 10–11, 2025, in partnership with the City of Lugano, as an invitation-only international meeting limited to 120 participants. Its mission is “To Better Understand Our Rapidly Changing World,” and the theme of Lugano Global Forum 2025 is “The Certainty of Uncertainty: Navigating The New World Disorder.”

Defending Democracy Global Initiative (DDGI),  “Defending Democracy and Human Rights – Report and Policy Recommendations,” published by CIVIL in March 2025.

Among the distinguished participants is Roger Casale, representing the Defending Democracy Global Initiative (DDGI), co-founded by CIVIL – Center for Freedom, Media Dialogue, and the New European People’s Forum (NEPF). On the sidelines of the global forum, Casale held discussions with several prominent participants and presented the strategic document Defending Democracy and Human Rights – Report and Policy Recommendations published by CIVIL in March 2025.

Roger Casale – DDGI at The Lugano Global Forum, with Bill Emmott – former Chief Editor of the Economist (photo: Courtesy of DDGI)

With the City of Lugano and the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) as Partners, the Forum is designed as an intimate yet world-class gathering, focusing this year on global trade, tariffs, geopolitics, economic prospects, and the rapidly growing impact of artificial intelligence.

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