Prague, September 1, 2024 – For three days, the Czech Republic became the centre of the global political debate on security, with the GLOBSEC Forum 2024 bringing together hundreds of key decision-makers from around the world to Prague. The conference was attended by more than 2,300 delegates, including six presidents, three prime ministers, 30 ministers, and other prominent figures from around the world. In total, there were 46 panels, ten thematic debates and 40 other sessions, as well as more than 200 bilateral meetings or closed sessions, with a total of more than 180 speakers. Nearly 250 journalists from 40 countries covered the conference.
The Czech Republic as a centre for global decisions
The GLOBSEC conference in Prague became a key point for strengthening Central Europe’s role in deciding the future of the world. In his speech, Czech President Petr Pavel, who supported and actively participated in the Forum, stressed the importance of European solidarity and unity in times of global challenges. “We live in an increasingly conflicted world. Nevertheless, I still firmly believe that an international order based on rules and cooperation is beneficial not only for the West but for all members of the international community,” President Pavel said.
The European Union gets a fresh start
The GLOBSEC Forum 2024 witnessed a historic moment when the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, delivered her first public speech since her re-election. In this crucial speech, she focused on strengthening European security and integration in the field of digital and energy policy. “Europe must be a leader in innovation and sustainable development. Our ability to respond to global challenges depends on our ability to be at the forefront of technological progress,” said von der Leyen, among others.
Supporting the Czech position in global politics
Founder and President of GLOBSEC, Róbert Vass, expressed his gratitude to the Czech Republic for hosting the conference and underlined that such events strengthen the Central European region’s prestige at the global level. “Prague has become a symbol of how Central Europe can influence the global agenda. The GLOBSEC Forum 2024 showed that the Central European region not only has something to offer but that it can also be one of the key players in deciding the future of the world,” Vass said. He added that this year’s edition was a record in many respects – both in the number of participants and speakers, as well as, for example, in the number of side events that accompanied the main programme.
Petr Kolář, Chairman of the Preparatory Committee, highlighted that the conference has strengthened the reputation of the Czech Republic as an important partner on the international scene. “The GLOBSEC Forum 2024 has once again shown that the Czech Republic is capable of hosting the most important world leaders and contributing to the solution of global issues.”
Establishment of the GeoTech Centre as a key step forward
One of the most significant outcomes of the conference was the announcement of the establishment of the GeoTech Centre, a new institute focused on technological and geopolitical challenges, which will operate under the GLOBSEC umbrella. The Centre will be headed by General John Allen, who, in his speech, stressed the need to combine technological progress with geopolitical stability. GLOBSEC US Foundation President Petr Pudil said, “The GeoTech Center will be a place where technology and politics collide and where solutions to future challenges will be sought. This is a key step in strengthening global security and stability.”
The Czech and Slovak Transatlantic Award, which recognizes significant contributions to transatlantic relations, was awarded during a Gala dinner at Prague Castle on Friday. President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, received the award presented by the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and founder and President of GLOBSEC, Robert Vass. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala introduced and presented the award to the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The founder of the Jagello 2000 Association, Zbyněk Pavlačík, presented the award in memoriam to the prominent Czech diplomat, Martin Povejšil, for his significant contribution to the field of security policy.
The Prague GLOBSEC Forum has demonstrated that its importance extends beyond security issues. The conference actively addresses a range of pressing and regional topics, including geopolitics, economics, and the importance of modern technologies. Through discussions on the future of the EU and society’s resilience to disinformation, the Forum highlights the complexities of today’s global landscape. This diversity was also reflected in the selection of guests, which included prominent European politicians and diplomats addressing key geopolitical challenges, alongside representatives from major technology companies and economic experts offering perspectives on the future of innovation and the global marketplace. Notable guests included Brad Smith, CEO of Microsoft, who spoke about the impact of artificial intelligence on security and the economy, underscoring the broad portfolio of topics that GLOBSEC addresses.
The GLOBSEC Forum 2024 was more than just a conference – it was a pivotal gathering that will shape the future course of Europe and the world. The Czech Republic reaffirmed its role as a key player in global affairs, with Prague emerging as a hub where new partnerships were forged and key decisions made. The next GLOBSEC Forum is set to return to Prague on its traditional date in June 2025.
Partners of this year’s GLOBSEC Forum 2024 are ČEZ (champion partner) and BMW (exclusive automotive partner).
Important facts and numbers from the GLOBSEC Forum 2024
- 57 panel discussions
- 50 side events
- 180 speakers
- More than 200 bilateral and other meetings
- More than 250 journalists from over 50 Czech and foreign media outlets
- 20,000 website visitors
- Instagram: 20,041 impressions
- Facebook: 113,900 reaches
- LinkedIn: 40,120 impressions
- X: 155,000 impressions
- More than 2,300 participants from 80 countries
- GLOBSEC Young Leaders Forum
- Establishment of Adam Horehaj’s Young Leaders Program