Robert S. Tucker, Commissioner, New York City Fire Department
Alyson Shontell, Editor-in-Chief and Chief Content Officer, Fortune

In a complex global economy, understanding geopolitical nuance can be the key to success and failure. The past year has witnessed conflicts in Israel, Gaza, and other parts of the Mideast; an ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine; a derailing of European economies; and energy and supply chain flare-ups that saw no borders. Here in the U.S. and in over 70 countries around the world, citizens have gone to the polls, and a new group of global leaders are making their mark. Other convergent forces–from climate risk and aging populations to immigration and AI proliferation–are generating profound consequences for economic, financial, and political institutions. Amidst the disruption, how can leaders best position themselves for growth and security? And should they still rely on America to lead the way? A candid conversation on global diplomacy and America’s role on the world stage.

Speakers TBA

Around the world, transformative changes are taking place– across marketplaces, societies, and governments. Over one-third of the globe has voted in elections, some of which will dramatically change trade and policy outcomes. The rapid advancement of AI is redefining workplaces, marketplaces, homes, and societies. The ability to successfully manage these shifts will determine which companies succeed and which falter. We’ll discuss the converging trends that have shaped the year in business and the global economy, and the strategies and tools needed to navigate the year ahead.

Gary Cohn, Vice Chairman, IBM; Former Director, U.S. National Economic Council
Baroness Dambisa Moyo, Economist and Co-Principal, Versaca Investments; Member, U.K. House of Lords
In conversation with: Diane Brady, Executive Editorial Director, Fortune Live Media and Co-Chair Fortune Global Forum

Over the course of four decades, Pulitzer Prize winning composer Wynton Marsalis has charted a career that has enabled him to see the world and attract new generations of talent to jazz music. His vast portfolio of work includes over 100 jazz and classical recordings and over 5000 concerts in over 60 countries. In his words, “Jazz music is the perfect metaphor for democracy,” and can serve as an inspirational tool to help us reflect on the past and reconsider the future. A conversation with the world-renowned trumpeter, bandleader, and composer on American democracy and the pursuit of justice–and what the fundamentals of jazz can teach us about leadership, teamwork and bridging social and political divides.

Wynton Marsalis, Managing and Artistic Director, Jazz at Lincoln Center
In conversation with: Andrew Nusca, Editorial Director, Fortune Live Media

CHINA OUTLOOK: ADAPTING TO NEW REALITIES

China's once-thriving ecosystem for foreign venture capital and private equity is facing significant challenges. For years, international investors played a pivotal role in driving China's technological advancements, backing startups across sectors like AI, semiconductors, and biotech. However, rising geopolitical tensions, and regulatory measures by both the U.S. and Chinese governments, have led to corporate “de-risking” and a subsequent decline in foreign direct investment (FDI). Can China continue to outpace the world in tech innovation? And how can global VCs maintain a foothold in China’s evolving market? We’ll discuss China's economic landscape and the implications for global markets. 

Fred Hu, Founder, Chairman and CEO,, Primavera Capital Group
Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Maurice R. Greenberg Fellow for China Studies, Council on Foreign Relations
Jörg Wuttke, Partner, DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group
In conversation with: Clay Chandler, Fortune

POWERING THE AI REVOLUTION

As AI transforms industries, the race is on to build infrastructure that can keep pace with its explosive growth and fuel the next wave of innovation. How can organizations optimize data pipelines and create agile platforms to unlock its full potential? How can we build AI infrastructure that drives innovation while supporting long-term sustainability? A conversation about the future of AI infrastructure and how to power it responsibly.

Eric Kutcher, Senior Partner and North America Chair, McKinsey & Company
Zig Serafin, Chief Executive Officer, Qualtrics
In conversation with: Diane Brady, Fortune

COMPETING IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE: STRATEGIES FOR GROWTH

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, CEOs must rethink their business strategies to compete in the global marketplace. Navigating this complex environment requires agility, vision and strategic decision making – from streamlining costs and finding new talent, to raising the bar on R&D and deploying new technologies for continuous improvement. Hear from two CEOs who are embracing transformative change by investing in new markets, fostering partnerships, and finding opportunities for innovation and growth in new and unexpected places.    

Alex Chriss, President and CEO, PayPal
Paul Hudson, Chief Executive Officer, Sanofi
In conversation with: Kristin Stoller, Editorial Director, Fortune Live Media

LEADERSHIP NEXT: THE AGE OF IDENTITY

Successful leaders may have different paths to the top, but they all share a few common traits: a clear understanding of themselves and a well-defined sense of purpose. In an era of “cancel culture” and misinformation, we find ourselves more connected and more isolated. Cultivating strong relationships and dealing with uncertainty has become paramount for any CEO looking to motivate their teams to reach their maximum potential. We’ll explore how "Identity Leadership” can help us channel the best of who we are to achieve success for ourselves and those we lead.

Stedman Graham, Business Advisor, Chairman, and CEO, S. Graham & Associates
In conversation with: Ruth Umoh, Editor, Next to Lead, Fortune

THE NEW FINANCIAL FRONTIER: DEFI’S PATH TO ECONOMIC EQUALITY Traditional financial systems often exclude low-income individuals due to strict requirements like high credit scores and steep fees, leaving millions unbanked. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) promises to change this by offering secure, transparent, and accessible financial services through blockchain technology. But with greater access comes new risks. How can we ensure the safety and security of users' assets in a decentralized system? What measures can be taken to prevent market volatility from harming those who are most vulnerable?  A deep dive on the promises and challenges of DeFi in fostering financial inclusion and economic equality.

Presented by Hedera 

Discussion Leaders:
Charles Adkins, President, Hedera   
Carmelle Cadet, Founder and CEO, Emtech 
Charles Cascarilla, Co-founder and CEO, Paxos  
Neha Narula, Director, Digital Currency Initiative, MIT Media Lab 
Moderator: Leo Schwartz, Reporter, Fortune

DISRUPT OR BE DISRUPTED: MOVING THE CEO AGENDA FORWARD   

CEOs increasingly find themselves balancing an urgent need to hasten their transformation efforts with economic uncertainty, rapidly evolving technologies, labor market shifts, and other risk factors. For CEOs navigating the expectations of shareholders and stakeholders of all kinds while also dealing with internal dynamics, the pace of change is never quick enough. How can CEOs see around corners while accelerating the realization of their agenda and helping their companies prepare for the future?

Presented by Insigniam

Discussion Leaders:
Patrick Geraghty, President and CEO, GuideWell
Javier Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer, DaVita  
Nathan Rosenberg, Founder,  Insigniam; Partner, Elixrr 
Joey Wat, Chief Executive Officer, Yum China
Moderator: Matt Heimer, Executive Editor, Features, Fortune and Co-Chair, Fortune Global Forum

ADAPTING BUSINESS FOR A SHIFTING GLOBAL LANDSCAPE 

The global economy faces a complex landscape in 2024; it is recovering from the biggest interest rate hike in 40 years, and almost half the world’s population is voting in national elections. How do business leaders navigate the new rules of global trade, digital disruption, and geopolitical fragmentation? How can companies hone in on agility, strategic investments in technology, and proactive risk management to stay ahead in this dynamic environment?

Presented by McKinsey & Company 

Discussion Leaders:
Abhijit Dubey, Chief Executive Officer, NTT Data
Merit Janow, Chairperson, MasterCard; Dean Emerita and Professor, Columbia University
Kristin Peck, Chief Executive Officer, Zoetis
Sebastian Picardo, President and CEO, Holt Renfrew
Olivia White, Senior Partner and Director, McKinsey Global Institute, McKinsey & Company 
Moderator: Geoff Colvin, Senior Editor-at-Large, Fortune

GLOBAL STRATEGIES, LOCAL INSIGHTS: HOW TO THRIVE IN A DIGITAL ECONOMY

Companies seeking to accelerate growth and boost client value must master the art of balancing global ambitions with regional challenges. In a landscape where e-commerce is revolutionizing consumer interactions with personalized online experiences and digital payments are advancing through innovations like contactless transactions and blockchain, understanding these changes is crucial. Discover how companies are blending global strategies with local insights to drive success and remain agile across marketplaces.

Presented by PayPal 

Discussion Leaders:
Scott Baxter, Chairman, President, and CEO, Kontoor Brands  
Suzanne Dann, Chief Executive Officer, Americas, Wipro  
Suzan Kereere, President, Global Markets, PayPal  
Moderator: Alex Wood Morton, Executive Editor, Europe, Fortune

Attracting and retaining high-performing teams, who are intensely focused on the evolving needs of consumers, are now key tools for any CEO looking to position their companies for long-term success. For both Target and PepsiCo, prioritizing a strong, consistent company culture has helped to deliver a better consumer experience, differentiate from the competition, strengthen operations, and drive revenue growth over time. Whether making or selling products, both companies are also skillfully deploying data-driven insight to find new ways to deliver both connection and value to customers. We’ll learn more about their unique partnership and lessons from their playbooks that can be applied in any organization. 

Brian Cornell, Chairman and CEO, Target Corp.
Steven Williams, Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo Foods North America
In conversation with: Diane Brady, Fortune

Just two years ago, AI appeared poised to upend global business overnight. The reality, however, has been more complicated. Faced with the high costs associated with building AI models and powering data centers, along with potential regulatory and legal hurdles, business strategies for AI adoption are coming down to earth. Additionally, recent findings suggest the technology is burdening employees with more work instead of boosting productivity. As AI's true potential for ROI becomes clearer, what lessons can we learn to ensure it delivers on its promise?

Kate Johnson, President and CEO, Lumen
Vimal Kapur, Chairman and CEO, Honeywell
In conversation with: Andrew Nusca, Fortune

Both the NBA and MLB have rebounded strongly since the pandemic. Attendance is up, and the leagues are actively working to attract younger fans and capitalize on the shift toward digital platforms and streaming. They're also expanding their reach beyond the U.S. market into Asia, Europe, and Latin America. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, both in their roles for a decade, discuss the competitive landscape for talent, the impact of geopolitics and economics, and their visions for the future of their respective leagues.

Rob Manfred, Commissioner, Major League Baseball
Adam Silver, Commissioner, National Basketball Association
In conversation with: Matt Heimer, Fortune

As with many technological breakthroughs, widespread adoption often trails the hype. This is especially true in robotics. The sleek, human-like robots from sci-fi films may not be members of our household any time soon, but they are already working in warehouses and on manufacturing floors. Case in point: “Atlas,” Boston Dynamics’ new humanoid set to be deployed in Hyundai factories next year. We’ll hear how the company is pushing the limits of mobility, dexterity, and intelligence with next-generation robots that will soon become part of everyday work – and life. 

Robert Playter, Chief Executive Officer, Boston Dynamics
In conversation with: Ellie Austin, Deputy Editorial Director, Fortune Live Media

The U.S. faces significant challenges in education, poverty, economic mobility, and substance abuse. Stand Together, a philanthropic organization founded by Charles Koch, is addressing these and other complex issues through a unique approach. By running their philanthropy like they would a business, Chase Koch and Stand Together CEO Brian Hooks are developing scalable solutions to drive tangible societal change. We’ll discuss this paradigm shift within charitable giving and how harnessing the power of large platforms can deliver transformative results for communities nationwide.

Brian Hooks, Chairman and CEO, Stand Together
Chase Koch, Executive Vice President, Koch Industries EVP, Origination and Partnerships; Founder, Stand Together Ventures
In conversation with: Kristin Stoller, Fortune

Join us for a fabulous evening curated by experiential designer and lifestyle impresario, Colin Cowie. Between courses, guests will be delighted with a musical journey through the decades and a celebration of Fortune’s Most Powerful People in Business. A night not to be missed!

Welcome Remarks and Toasts:

Anastasia Nyrkovskaya, Fortune
Alyson Shontell, Fortune