Wolfgang Schmidt's Commencement Speech to Hertie Graduates 2026

Wolfgang Schmidt's Commencement Speech to Hertie Graduates 2026

22 June 2026, Berlin Philharmonie Wolfgang Schmidt, former Federal Minister for Special Affairs, delivers an inspirational speach to Hertie Graduates. He talks about leadership, cooperation, and respecting other opinions and valuing comprimise. https://www.hertie-school.org/en/news/detail/content/hertie-school-celebrates-class-of-2026 [https://www.hertie-school.org/en/news/detail/content/hertie-school-celebrates-class-of-2026]https://www.hertie-school.org/en/ [https://www.hertie-school.org/en/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com [https://thehertieschool.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Reem Alabali Radovan on migration and todays challenges

Reem Alabali Radovan, German Ministor for Economic Cooperation and Development, speaks at the launch of the joint initiative on migration by the Hertie School and the Gere Foundation. She talks about the migration, displacement, and refugees around the world and specifically about Europe. “We have to make sure, as Europeans, together with our partners in Africa, that no more people die in the mediterranean sea.” “What is required is clear, people need to be able to see a future in the place they live, opportunities that make it worth staying for them and their children.” https://www.hertie-school.org/en/fundamental-rights https://gerefoundation.org/ The new Joint Initiative will examine the deep causes of migration, that is, push, pull, and repeal factors that structure migration flows, addressing the drivers of transnational movements holistically. It will consider state policies, their consequences, and the interplay between them, exploring alternatives and proposing better ways forward to prompt a fundamental change of approach. Full event recording on YouTube: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com [https://thehertieschool.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Richard Gere on being a migrant, on being human

Richard Gere speaking on the occasion of the public launch of the joint initiative on migration between the Hertie School Centre for Fundamental Rights and The Gere Foundation. https://www.hertie-school.org/en/fundamental-rights https://gerefoundation.org/ Mr Gere speaks of his personal experience and hopes for the future.The new Joint Initiative will examine the deep causes of migration, that is, push, pull, and repeal factors that structure migration flows, addressing the drivers of transnational movements holistically. It will consider state policies, their consequences, and the interplay between them, exploring alternatives and proposing better ways forward to prompt a fundamental change of approach. Full event recording on YouTube: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com [https://thehertieschool.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

José Manuel Albares Bueno on Spain’s Vision for the Future of Europe

The Jacques Delors Centre at the Hertie School is pleased to have hosted a keynote speech by José Manuel Albares, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain, on the future of Europe in an increasingly fragmented and competitive world.At a moment of profound geopolitical change, Europe faces growing pressure to strengthen its capacity to act collectively - economically, socially, and in matters of security and defence. From Russia’s war against Ukraine to global industrial competition and the climate crisis, the European Union is being tested on multiple fronts at once. Against this backdrop, Minister Albares shared his reflections on the future of Europe. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com [https://thehertieschool.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Clément Beaune on a competitive Europe

A timely discussion on Europe’s geoeconomic future with Clément Beaune, drawing on his experience at the highest levels of French and European policymaking.Geopolitical tensions have laid bare the depth of Europe’s strategic dependencies, spanning security, energy, and critical raw materials. In an increasingly adversarial geoeconomic landscape, how can the EU reduce its most acute vulnerabilities, while leveraging its strengths to enhance resilience and increase its capacity to act? A spotlight on Clément Beaune, who shares his insights at the intersection of European policy, economic strategy, and global challenges, drawing on his experience and the work of the French High Commissioner for Strategy and Planning, with particular attention to the role of Franco-German cooperation in shaping a coherent European approach.The discussion addresses key questions:On what strengths can the EU draw to improve its geoeconomic position?Can Europe remain an open trade partner and reduce vulnerabilities at the same time?How far should “Buy European” approaches go without undermining competitiveness?Where do France and Germany differ in their vision for Europe’s geoeconomic power and where is convergence possible to build a coherent European strategy? The keynote is followed by a moderated discussion with Thu Nguyen, Acting Co-Director of the Jacques Delors Centre, including a Q&A with the audience. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehertieschool.substack.com [https://thehertieschool.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]