The 72nd Bilderberg Meeting is scheduled to take place from April 9 to 12, 2026, in Washington, D.C., USA. This annual conference, established in 1954, aims to foster dialogue between Europe and North America by bringing together political leaders and experts from industry, finance, academia, and media. Participants attend as individuals rather than in any official capacity, allowing for informal discussions under the Chatham House Rule, which ensures confidentiality and encourages open dialogue.
The agenda for the 2026 meeting includes a diverse range of topics reflecting current global challenges and opportunities. Key subjects slated for discussion are artificial intelligence, Arctic security, China's global influence, digital finance, energy diversification, the state of Europe, global trade dynamics, the Middle East, Russia, the trans-Atlantic defense-industrial relationship, Ukraine, the USA, the future of warfare, and the role of the West in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
While the Bilderberg Meeting does not feature formal networking sessions or an expo hall, the private nature of the event facilitates candid conversations and the exchange of ideas among influential figures. Notable participants often include prominent politicians, CEOs, national security experts, academics, and journalists from approximately 23 countries, providing a unique platform for cross-sectoral and cross-national dialogue.
This conference is particularly relevant for individuals in leadership positions across politics, business, academia, and media who are interested in engaging in high-level discussions on pressing global issues. Attendees have the opportunity to gain diverse perspectives, share insights, and contribute to shaping the discourse on international affairs in a confidential setting.
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Speakers(128)
00yvind Eriksen
President and CEO at Aker ASA
00yvind Eriksen is the President and CEO of Aker ASA, a Norwegian industrial investment company.
Aaro Cantell
Chair at Normet Group
Aaro Cantell is the Chair of Normet Group, specializing in underground mining and tunneling equipment.
Adam Bartosiewicz
Vice President at WB Group
Adam Bartosiewicz is the Vice President of WB Group, specializing in defense and security solutions.
Albert Bourla
Chair and CEO at Pfizer Inc.
Albert Bourla is the Chair and CEO of Pfizer Inc., a global pharmaceutical company.
Alberto Nadal
Shadow Economic Minister at Popular Party
Alberto Nadal is the Shadow Economic Minister for Spain's Popular Party.
Alex Karp
CEO at Palantir Technologies Inc.
Alex Karp is the CEO of Palantir Technologies Inc., specializing in big data analytics.
Alexander Stubb
President of the Republic at Finnish Government
Alexander Stubb is the President of Finland and former Prime Minister.
Alexandr Wang
Chief AI Officer at Meta
Alexandr Wang is the Chief AI Officer at Meta, focusing on artificial intelligence development.
Ali Ko00
Vice Chair at Ko00 Holding
Ali Ko00 is the Vice Chair of Ko00 Holding, a Turkish conglomerate.
Andr00 Hoffmann
Vice Chair at Roche Holding Ltd.
Andr00 Hoffmann is the Vice Chair of Roche Holding Ltd., a global healthcare company.
Andr00 Kudelski
Chair and CEO at Kudelski Group SA
Andr00 Kudelski is the Chair and CEO of Kudelski Group SA, specializing in digital security.
Andrius Kubilius
Commissioner Defence and Space at European Commission
Andrius Kubilius is the Commissioner for Defence and Space at the European Commission.
Anna Thalhammer
Editor-in-Chief at Profil
Anna Thalhammer is the Editor-in-Chief of Profil, an Austrian news magazine.
Anne Applebaum
Staff Writer at The Atlantic
Anne Applebaum is a Staff Writer at The Atlantic and a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian.
Anne Heraty
Chair at Sherry Fitzgerald and IBEC
Anne Heraty is the Chair of Sherry Fitzgerald and IBEC, with a background in recruitment and business.
Arthur Mensch
Co-Founder and CEO at Mistral AI
Arthur Mensch is the Co-Founder and CEO of Mistral AI, focusing on artificial intelligence.
Ayse Zarakol
Professor of International Relations at University of Cambridge
Ayse Zarakol is a Professor of International Relations at the University of Cambridge.
Blaise Metreweli
Chief at Secret Intelligence Service
Blaise Metreweli is the Chief of the UK's Secret Intelligence Service.
Brad Smith
Vice Chair and President at Microsoft Corporation
Brad Smith is the Vice Chair and President of Microsoft Corporation.
Brett McGurk
Global Affairs Analyst at CNN
Brett McGurk is a Global Affairs Analyst at CNN and former U.S. diplomat.
Brian Schimpf
Co-Founder and CEO at Anduril Industries
Brian Schimpf is the Co-Founder and CEO of Anduril Industries, focusing on defense technology.
Britt Meelby Jensen
CEO at Ambu A/S
Britt Meelby Jensen is the CEO of Ambu A/S, a Danish medical device company.
Camilla Cavendish
Member at House of Lords
Camilla Cavendish is a Member of the House of Lords and a journalist.
Caroline Berg
CEO at Axel Johnson
Caroline Berg is the CEO of Axel Johnson, a Swedish family-owned company focusing on trade and services.
Catherine MacGregor
CEO Group at ENGIE
Catherine MacGregor is the CEO of ENGIE, a global energy company.
Christian Sewing
CEO at Deutsche Bank AG
Christian Sewing is the CEO of Deutsche Bank AG, a global financial services company.
Chrystia Freeland
Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine at Canadian Government
Chrystia Freeland is the Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine and former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada.
Colin Hunt
CEO at AIB Group plc
Colin Hunt is the CEO of AIB Group plc, a major Irish bank.
Costantza Sbokou-Constantakopoulou
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador at UNESCO
Costantza Sbokou-Constantakopoulou is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and business leader.
Daniel Ek
Chair at Spotify SA
Daniel Ek is the Chair of Spotify SA, a leading music streaming service.
Daniel P. Driscoll
Secretary of the Army at U.S. Government
Daniel P. Driscoll is the U.S. Secretary of the Army, overseeing the U.S. Army.
Danny McCoy
CEO at Ibec
Danny McCoy is the CEO of Ibec, Ireland's largest business representative organization.
David Kirtley
CEO at Helion Energy
David Kirtley is the CEO of Helion Energy, focusing on fusion energy development.
David Lammy
Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice at UK Government
David Lammy is the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Justice in the UK.
Demis Hassabis
Co-Founder and CEO at Google DeepMind
Demis Hassabis is the Co-Founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, an AI research lab.
Dimitri Papalexopoulos
Chair at TITAN SA
Dimitri Papalexopoulos is the Chair of TITAN SA, a Greek cement and building materials company.
Douglas Burgum
Secretary of the Interior at U.S. Government
Douglas Burgum is the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, responsible for federal land and natural resources.
Duarte Moreira
Co-Founder and CEO at Zeno Partners
Duarte Moreira is the Co-Founder and CEO of Zeno Partners, focusing on investment management.
Elina Valtonen
Minister of Foreign Affairs at Finnish Government
Elina Valtonen is the Finnish Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Elizabeth Economy
Hargrove Senior Fellow at Stanford University
Elizabeth Economy is the Hargrove Senior Fellow at Stanford University, specializing in Chinese economy and politics.
Enrico Letta
Dean at IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs
Enrico Letta is the Dean of the IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs and former Italian Prime Minister.
Eric E. Schmidt
Executive Chair and CEO at Relativity Space Inc
Eric E. Schmidt is the Executive Chair and CEO of Relativity Space Inc. and former CEO of Google.
Erkki Liikanen
Chair at IFRS Foundation Trustees
Erkki Liikanen is the Chair of the IFRS Foundation Trustees and former Governor of the Bank of Finland.
Fareed Zakaria
Host at Fareed Zakaria GPS
Fareed Zakaria is the host of Fareed Zakaria GPS on CNN and a political commentator.
Faryar Shirzad
Chief Policy Officer at Coinbase
Faryar Shirzad is the Chief Policy Officer at Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange.
Fatih Birol
Executive Director at International Energy Agency
Fatih Birol is the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, leading global energy policy analysis.
Feridun H. Sinirlio00lu
Secretary General at OSCE
Feridun H. Sinirlio00lu is the Secretary General of the OSCE.
Geoffrey van Leeuwen
Chief of Staff at Office of the Secretary General
Geoffrey van Leeuwen is the Chief of Staff at the Office of the Secretary General.
Gerhard Zeiler
President at Warner Bros. Discovery International
Gerhard Zeiler is the President of Warner Bros. Discovery International, overseeing international operations.
Gideon Rachman
Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator at Financial Times
Gideon Rachman is the Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator at the Financial Times.
Gundbert Scherf
Co-Founder and Co-CEO at Helsing GmbH
Gundbert Scherf is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Helsing GmbH, specializing in AI for defense.
Guta Moura Guedes
Chair and Co-Founder at ExperimentaDesign
Guta Moura Guedes is the Chair and Co-Founder of ExperimentaDesign, focusing on design and architecture.
H.M. the King of the Netherlands
Netherlands Government
H.M. the King of the Netherlands is the reigning monarch of the Netherlands.
H.M. the Queen of the Netherlands
Netherlands Government
H.M. the Queen of the Netherlands is the reigning queen consort of the Netherlands.
Harold Bo00l
CEO at Sofina
Harold Bo00l is the CEO of Sofina, a Belgian investment company.
Helene Budliger
State Secretary for Economic Affairs at Swiss Government
Helene Budliger is the State Secretary for Economic Affairs in Switzerland, overseeing economic policy.
Henri de Castries
President at Institut Montaigne
Henri de Castries is the President of Institut Montaigne and former CEO of AXA.
Henry R. Kravis
Co-Founder and Co-Executive Chair at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
Henry R. Kravis is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Chair of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., a global investment firm.
Iryna Terekh
CEO and CTO at Fire Point LLC
Iryna Terekh is the CEO and CTO of Fire Point LLC, focusing on technology solutions.
Jacek Olechowski
Founder at Mediacap
Jacek Olechowski is the Founder of Mediacap, a Polish media and marketing group.
Jack Chambers
Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Reform and Digitalisation at Irish Government
Jack Chambers is the Irish Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Reform and Digitalisation.
Jack Clark
Co-Founder and Head of Public Benefit at Anthropic PBC
Jack Clark is the Co-Founder and Head of Public Benefit at Anthropic PBC, focusing on AI safety.
Jamieson Greer
United States Trade Representative at U.S. Government
Jamieson Greer is the United States Trade Representative, overseeing international trade negotiations.
Jason Smith
Member of Congress at U.S. Government
Jason Smith is a Member of the U.S. Congress representing Missouri.
Jeanette zu F00rstenberg
Managing Director at General Catalyst
Jeanette zu F00rstenberg is the Managing Director at General Catalyst, a venture capital firm.
Jens Stoltenberg
Minister of Finance at Norwegian Government
Jens Stoltenberg is the Minister of Finance for Norway and former Secretary General of NATO.
Jeppe Christiansen
CEO at Maj Invest group
Jeppe Christiansen is the CEO of Maj Invest group, a Danish investment firm.
John Micklethwait
Editor-in-Chief at Bloomberg LP
John Micklethwait is the Editor-in-Chief of Bloomberg LP, a global financial news organization.
John Sawers
Executive Chair at Newbridge Advisory Ltd.
John Sawers is the Executive Chair of Newbridge Advisory Ltd. and former Chief of MI6.
Jos00 Luis Escriv00
Governor at Bank of Spain
Jos00 Luis Escriv00 is the Governor of the Bank of Spain, overseeing monetary policy.
Jos00 Manuel Barroso
Chair International Advisors at Goldman Sachs International
Jos00 Manuel Barroso is the Chair of International Advisors at Goldman Sachs International and former President of the European Commission.
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg
Chair at Spitzberg Partners LLC
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is the Chair of Spitzberg Partners LLC and former German Minister of Defense.
Kevin Harrington
Former Senior Director for Strategic Planning at National Security Council
Kevin Harrington is the former Senior Director for Strategic Planning at the National Security Council.
Kimberly Kagan
President at Institute for the Study of War
Kimberly Kagan is the President of the Institute for the Study of War, focusing on military analysis.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis
Minister of Economy and Finance at Greek Government
Kyriakos Pierrakakis is the Greek Minister of Economy and Finance.
Luis Vassy
President at Sciences Po
Luis Vassy is the President of Sciences Po, a leading social sciences university in France.
Marco Alver0
Co-Founder at zhero.net
Marco Alver00 is the Co-Founder of zhero.net and CEO of TES, with extensive experience in the energy sector.
Marcus Wallenberg
Chair at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB
Marcus Wallenberg is the Chair of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, a Swedish financial group.
Margrethe Vestager
Chair at Danish Technical University
Margrethe Vestager is the Chair of the Danish Technical University and former European Commissioner for Competition.
Marie-Jos00e Kravis
Chair at The Museum of Modern Art
Marie-Jos00e Kravis is the Chair of The Museum of Modern Art and a prominent philanthropist.
Mark Rutte
Secretary General at NATO
Mark Rutte is the Secretary General of NATO and former Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
Mark Sedwill
Chair of Trustees at International Institute for Strategic Studies
Mark Sedwill is the Chair of Trustees at the International Institute for Strategic Studies and former UK National Security Adviser.
Mark Tucker
Chair at AIA Group Ltd
Mark Tucker is the Chair of AIA Group Ltd, a pan-Asian life insurance group.
Markus Laubenthal
General and Chief of Staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
Markus Laubenthal is the General and Chief of Staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.
Mathias D00pfner
Chair and CEO at Axel Springer SE
Mathias D00pfner is the Chair and CEO of Axel Springer SE, a leading digital publishing company.
Mehmet Tara
President and Chair at Enka Holding
Mehmet Tara is the President and Chair of Enka Holding, a Turkish construction and energy company.
Michael Kratsios
Director at White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Michael Kratsios is the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Mira Murati
CEO at Thinking Machines Lab
Mira Murati is the CEO of Thinking Machines Lab, specializing in artificial intelligence research.
Murat 00zye00in
Chair at Fiba Group
Murat 00zye00in is the Chair of Fiba Group, a Turkish conglomerate.
Murray Auchincloss
Former CEO at BP plc
Murray Auchincloss is the former CEO of BP plc, with a background in finance and energy.
Nadia Calvi00o
President at European Investment Bank
Nadia Calvi00o is the President of the European Investment Bank, focusing on EU development projects.
Nadia Schadlow
Senior Fellow at Hudson Institute
Nadia Schadlow is a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, focusing on national security.
Niall Ferguson
Milbank Family Senior Fellow at Stanford University
Niall Ferguson is the Milbank Family Senior Fellow at Stanford University and a historian.
Nicolai Tangen
CEO at Norges Bank Investment Management
Nicolai Tangen is the CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management, managing Norway's sovereign wealth fund.
Nicolas Roche
Secretary General at General Secretariat for Defence and National Security
Nicolas Roche is the Secretary General of the General Secretariat for Defence and National Security in France.
Oleksandr Kamyshin
Advisor to the President of Ukraine for Strategic Affairs at Ukrainian Government
Oleksandr Kamyshin is an Advisor to the President of Ukraine for Strategic Affairs.
Oliver Zipse
Chair at BMW AG
Oliver Zipse is the Chair of BMW AG, a global automobile manufacturer.
P00l Jonson
Minister for Defence at Swedish Government
P00l Jonson is the Swedish Minister for Defence.
Patrick Collison
CEO at Stripe
Patrick Collison is the CEO of Stripe, a technology company building economic infrastructure for the internet.
Patrick Pouyann00
Chair and CEO at TotalEnergies SE
Patrick Pouyann00 is the Chair and CEO of TotalEnergies SE, a global energy company.
Peter Bosek
CEO and Chief Retail Officer at Erste Group Bank AG
Peter Bosek is the CEO and Chief Retail Officer of Erste Group Bank AG, focusing on retail banking.
Peter R. Orszag
CEO and Chair at Lazard
Peter R. Orszag is the CEO and Chair of Lazard, a global financial advisory firm.
Petra De Sutter
Rector at Ghent University
Petra De Sutter is the Rector of Ghent University and former Belgian Deputy Prime Minister.
Pilar Gil
CEO at PRISA Media
Pilar Gil is the CEO of PRISA Media, a Spanish media conglomerate.
Radoslaw Sikorski
Minister of Foreign Affairs at Polish Government
Radoslaw Sikorski is the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Poland.
Rana Foroohar
Associate Editor at Financial Times
Rana Foroohar is an Associate Editor at the Financial Times, focusing on business and economics.
Rob Jetten
Prime Minister at Netherlands Government
Rob Jetten is the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
Robert Lighthizer
Chair at Center for American Trade
Robert Lighthizer is the Chair of the Center for American Trade and former U.S. Trade Representative.
Roland Busch
President and CEO at Siemens AG
Roland Busch is the President and CEO of Siemens AG, a global technology company.
Roland Lescure
Minister for Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty at French Government
Roland Lescure is the French Minister for Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty.
Rolly van Rappard
Co-Founder and Chair at CVC Capital Partners
Rolly van Rappard is the Co-Founder and Chair of CVC Capital Partners, a private equity firm.
Ross McInnes
President at Safran Group
Ross McInnes is the President of Safran Group, a French multinational aircraft engine company.
Roy Jakobs
President and CEO at Royal Philips
Roy Jakobs is the President and CEO of Royal Philips, a global health technology company.
Samuel Paparo
Commander at US Indo-Pacific Command
Samuel Paparo is the Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command.
Sigrid Kaag
Co-Chair Board of Directors at United Nations Foundation
Sigrid Kaag is the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors at the United Nations Foundation and former Dutch Minister.
Silvia Maria Rovere
Chair at Poste Italiane S.p.A.
Silvia Maria Rovere is the Chair of Poste Italiane S.p.A., the Italian postal service.
Skye Perryman
President and CEO at Democracy Forward
Skye Perryman is the President and CEO of Democracy Forward, focusing on legal advocacy.
Stacey Abrams
CEO at Sage Works Production
Stacey Abrams is the CEO of Sage Works Production and a prominent political leader in the United States.
Stephen Kotkin
Senior Fellow at Hoover Institution, Stanford University
Stephen Kotkin is a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, specializing in history and international affairs.
Terri Sewell
Member of Congress at U.S. Government
Terri Sewell is a Member of the U.S. Congress representing Alabama.
Thomas Leysen
Chair at dsm-firmenich AG
Thomas Leysen is the Chair of dsm-firmenich AG and a Belgian business leader.
Uwe Horstmann
CEO at Stark
Uwe Horstmann is the CEO of Stark, focusing on technology investments.
Val00rie Baudson
CEO at Amundi SA
Val00rie Baudson is the CEO of Amundi SA, a leading asset management company.
Valentino Valentini
Deputy Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy at Italian Government
Valentino Valentini is the Deputy Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy in the Italian Government.
Vittorio Colao
Vice Chair EMEA at General Atlantic Service Company LP
Vittorio Colao is the Vice Chair EMEA at General Atlantic Service Company LP and former CEO of Vodafone.
Vivian Motzfeldt
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs at Greenland Government
Vivian Motzfeldt is the former Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greenland.
Wojciech Kostrzewa
President at Polish Business Roundtable
Wojciech Kostrzewa is the President of the Polish Business Roundtable, representing business leaders in Poland.
Zanny Minton Beddoes
Editor-in-Chief at The Economist
Zanny Minton Beddoes is the Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, a leading international weekly newspaper.
Event Details
- Date
- April 9-12, 2026
- 4 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Washington, D.C., United States
- Salamander Washington DC Hotel
- Audience
- Political leaders, industry experts, academics, media professionals
- Attendees
- Approximately 120-140 participants