Global power shifts: Bretton Woods, BRICS+, and the future of world order.
To accommodate demand, we will release seats in two waves.
- The first 125 seats are available now
- The remaining 125 seats will be released on 28st February at 6pm
Since the end of World War II, the global order has been shaped by institutions like the Bretton Woods system, designed to ensure economic stability, promote multilateralism, and prevent major conflicts. However, this Western-led framework faces growing challenges from emerging powers and alternative alliances, most notably BRICS+, which now includes both democratic and authoritarian members.
Italian statesman and economist Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission during the introduction of the Euro, will explore the key questions shaping the global stage today.
• Bretton Woods institutions vs. BRICS+: What do the evolving dynamics between these groups tell us about global economic governance? Are we witnessing the twilight of Western dominance?
• Unity or fragmentation in BRICS+: Can a coalition of ideologically diverse nations hold together, or will internal contradictions lead to fractures?
• Trump 2024 and U.S. leadership: What would a Trump presidency mean for multilateralism, the U.S. role in global governance, and the rise of alternative power blocs like BRICS+?
• Europe’s role: With shifting alliances and competing priorities, can the European Union carve out a decisive role in a multipolar world, or will it be sidelined?
• Towards a New World Order: Are we witnessing the establishment of a new global equilibrium, and what challenges will the world face in adapting to these tectonic shifts?
Join us for this insightful discussion with Romano Prodi as he delves into the tensions, opportunities, and challenges that will define our world order in the years to come.
speaker
Romano Prodi, a distinguished Italian statesman and economist, is one of Europe’s most influential political leaders. Twice serving as the Prime Minister of Italy (1996–1998 and 2006–2008), Prodi also held the prestigious position of President of the European Commission from 1999 to 2004. His tenure at the helm of the European Commission was marked by significant milestones, including the introduction of the euro and the historic 2004 enlargement of the European Union.
Prodi is often referred to as Il Professore due to his eminent academic career. A professor of economics, he has taught at leading institutions, including the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, where he completed his law degree, and the London School of Economics. Over the years, he has received nearly 20 honorary degrees from universities worldwide.
Beyond academia, Prodi’s career includes leadership roles in business and international organizations. He served as the President of the Institute for Industrial Reconstruction (IRI), overseeing one of Italy’s largest public companies, and later became an international advisor to Goldman Sachs. His commitment to public service also extends to his role as the United Nations Special Envoy for the Sahel, where he focused on peacekeeping and development, also thanks to his important network and knowledge of African issues and African Leaders.
Known as the founder of Italy’s modern center-left, Prodi played a pivotal role in uniting Italy’s progressive forces under The Olive Tree coalition and later as the first president of the Democratic Party in 2007. His legacy includes not only political achievements but also a lifelong dedication to fostering European integration, social justice, and global cooperation.
Prodi continues to contribute to global dialogue through his work with institutions such as the Club de Madrid and as a professor and lecturer on international affairs. His insights into governance, European unity, and economic development remain as relevant and impactful as ever.
moderator
Fabio Bargiacchi is a global leader in electoral assistance and democratization, with almost three decades of experience in supporting democratic processes worldwide. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES, www.eces.eu), which in fifteen years he has grown into one of the world’s leading organizations in electoral assistance, recognized alongside entities like the UNDP, IDEA, and OSCE-ODIHR. Under Bargiacchi’s leadership, ECES has implemented projects in over 50 countries and developed pioneering methodologies, tools, and applications to enhance electoral processes. These include the European Response to Electoral Cycle Support (EURECS) framework and innovative approaches to contribute to the prevention, mitigation and management of electoral conflicts , and capacity development via peers’exchanges and sharing of comparative experiences.
His work has been recognized through multiple certifications, including TRACE and ISO 9001 for financial and quality management standards, as well as over 20 copyrights showcasing ECES’s groundbreaking contributions. A seasoned practitioner, Bargiacchi has worked with major international organizations such as the European Union, the United Nations, and the OSCE, holding senior roles in electoral support missions across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. From 2004 to 2010, he served both the EU and UNDP headquarters in Brussels as Coordinator of the Joint EC-UNDP Task Force on Electoral Assistance, where he oversaw projects totaling over €600 million.
His career highlights also include authoring the EU Methodological Guide on Electoral Assistance and spearheading capacity development initiatives like the Leadership and Conflict Management Skills for Electoral Stakeholders (LEAD) program. A polyglot fluent in five languages, Bargiacchi holds a Master’s degree in Society, Science, and Technology, with studies at the University of Roskilde and the University of Oslo, as well as a degree in Political Science from the University of Florence. He has published extensively on electoral processes, technology, and electoral conflict prevention. Fabio Bargiacchi continues to innovate in the field of electoral support, continuing to contribute to democracy, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance on a global scale. (https://www.eces.eu/en/fabio-bargiacchi)
