Young European Symposium
The summit for changemakers across Europe!
2nd to 4th of May 2025
bUm Berlin, Paul-Lincke-Ufer 21
Get your Ticket here!
Take a look at our program!
Say YES to three days of inspirational exchange!
The Young European Symposium (YES) is a student-organized conference designed to inspire positive change across Europe. By uniting Europe’s brightest minds from diverse fields, we create a platform to explore innovative solutions for the challenges of our time.
What we do
Program of the Symposium
We offer Insights and Inspiration
From cutting-edge discussions in Technology and Science, addressing ethical dilemmas and groundbreaking innovations, to tackling global challenges in Geopolitics, Democracy, and Peace, the symposium creates a space for meaningful dialogue. Tracks such as Responsibility, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship, alongside Sports, Arts, and Culture, emphasize creativity, societal impact, and personal growth. With flexible formats that allow for emerging themes, the program offers workshops, lectures, panels, and mentoring sessions tailored to inspire participants, broaden horizons, and empower them to become changemakers in their personal and professional journeys.
Additionally, we’re offering an exciting lineup of pre-events on Friday, May 2! From exclusive visits to the Bundestag and the Federal Foreign Office, to thought-provoking talks at the Munich Security Conference and a guided tour of the Europe House — it’s a unique opportunity to engage directly with the institutions shaping Europe’s future. Spots are limited, so don’t miss out — be sure to register by April 23!
Take a look at the program and register for the pre-events here.
Who’s coming?
Speaker and Guests
Voices of Change
At the Young European Symposium, our speakers are at the forefront of innovation, leadership, and creativity. We welcome distinguished experts from fields like technology, geopolitics, entrepreneurship and the arts. Whether it’s a keynote address, a dynamic panel discussion, or an interactive workshop, their contributions inspire and empower the next generation of European leaders.
Look forward to keynotes from former EU Commissioner Günther Oettinger and former Siemens CEO Joe Kaeser, who will explore Europe’s political and economic future in a changing world. Don’t miss “Beyond Earth: The Future of Space Exploration and Innovation,” led by Prof. Dr. Heike Rauer and Prof. Dr. Kai-Uwe Schrogl. And that’s just the beginning—many more thought-provoking sessions await!
Take a look at our speakers!
Who Is behind the YES?
About the team
The team behind the Young European Symposium (YES) is made up of 35 young professionals and students, with members based in Berlin, Boston, Beijing and Madrid. Our dedicated team spans diverse fields, including medicine, philosophy, and natural sciences. Together, we are united by a shared mission: bringing together Europe’s brightest minds to build a better future.
Our members include alumni and participants from prestigious institutions and networks such as the German Academic Scholarship Foundation, the Tönissteiner Kreis, Harvard University, and the Bayer Foundation. This unique combination of expertise and experiences enables YES to serve as an inspiring platform for Europe’s next generation of changemakers.
Esteemed Patronage
Patronage of the YES
Dr. Horst Köhler, Bundespräsident a.D.
We have received the sad news of the passing of our esteemed patron, Dr. Horst Köhler, former President of Germany. His support has been deeply appreciated, and we would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time. (For picture source see alt text)