Wolf Bussian, managing partner for Germany at A&O Shearman, added: “In a multipolar world, reliability is everything: power is shifting, responsibility is growing, and technology, trade, and security are inseparable. Those who build smart partnerships will create sustainable prosperity.
“Multipolarity isn’t a risk in itself, but a mandate to shape outcomes—de-risking, not decoupling; rules, and not bloc-building is how we will secure stability and growth.”
A&O Shearman leaders on the BGD stage
A&O Shearman partners will contribute to five high-profile sessions across the program, bringing legal, regulatory and strategic perspectives to discussions at the intersection of markets, policy and technology.
October 23, 1:30pm–2:45pm
Shaping a multipolar future: a conversation with the BGD Young Voices
Hervé Ekué, global managing partner at A&O Shearman will join fellow panelists to discuss ways to strengthen democratic culture, rebuild institutional trust and align economic decision-making with long-term societal goals to address the expectations of emerging generations who are calling for bolder leadership rooted in climate responsibility, democratic values, accountability, and trust.
October 23, 4:45pm–6:00pm
War speed: scaling technology under pressure
Magdalena Nasilowska, partner at A&O Shearman, will moderate a panel examining how Europe can reform procurement, accelerate deployment, and build a defense innovation ecosystem fit for today’s security landscape.
October 24, 10:30am–11:45am
The end of predictability? Adapting enterprises to the geopolitical age
Hervé Ekué, global managing partner at A&O Shearman, will also join a discussion about how companies are rethinking cross-border operating models—from supply chains and legal entity structures to innovation strategies—to build resilience and secure their global footprint, as globalization gives way to fragmentation.
October 25, 09:30am–10:30am
The future of the China-Europe relationship
Xin (Lorna) Chen, partner at A&O Shearman, will moderate a discussion about how China and Europe can rebuild trust, deepen cooperation, and pursue sustainable growth amid global geopolitical change.
October 25, 09:30am–10:30am
The pivotal role of middle powers in a multipolar world
Dirk Arts, partner at A&O Shearman will join a panel debate to discuss how middle powers are reshaping the operating environment for business and investment, and the role they are playing in forging strategic partnerships, shaping regional dynamics, and championing the emergence of competing institutions.
BGD: bringing decision-makers together to effect change
BGD brings together established leaders and the next generation of decision-makers to promote dialogue in four key areas shaping the future of the global economy:
- Geopolitical shifts
- Climate change
- Technological advances
- Global inequality
With a strong focus on the realities of a multipolar world—from supply chain resilience and defense innovation to digital governance and the evolving role of middle powers—BGD equips enterprises, investors and policymakers with the insights needed to navigate an era defined by uncertainty and reinvention.
If you plan to attend BGD 2025, please reach out to Ulrich Horstschäfer at ulrich.horstschaefer@allenovery.com to arrange a meeting.