lill Global Symposium 2026
Rhodes House | Oxford, UK | 5-6 May 2026
The lill Global Symposium in Oxford is our flagship event for developing thought leadership on economic growth, sustainable development, and innovative finance. The 2026 Global Symposium at Rhodes House – an Oxford landmark – brings together the most influential policymakers, business leaders, civil society representatives, and academics in trade and development finance to address pressing global challenges.
Unlocking Innovative Finance, Powering Resilient Growth
Symposium Theme
The 2026 Global Symposium will provide a unique opportunity to drive global development agendas and policy frameworks. Hosted by the lill Institute for Public Value in academic partnership with the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford, it will feature keynote addresses from senior government leaders, interactive panel discussions with CEOs from public and private financial institutions, and academic interventions from leading researchers designed to foster new perspectives and partnerships. A particular focus will be on innovative financing mechanisms that can mobilise capital for SDGs 7, 8, and 9.
Programme
Speakers
FAQ
Previous Symposia Chaired by Professor Andreas Klasen
The Global Symposium 2024
Quo Vadis, Global Trade?
The 2024 Global Symposium on „Quo Vadis, Global Trade?“ took place at the University of St. Gallen. Discussing the unprecedented trade challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, multipolarity and fragmentation, climate change and inflation, policymakers and financiers tackled pressing issues to find the opportunities behind polycrises and make innovation, trade, investment and environmental goals mutually supportive. Chaired by Professor Andreas Klasen, the former Director of the Institute for Trade and Innovation (IfTI) at Offenburg, participants shared theoretical approaches to better understand and address current challenges, discussed global best practices and presented case studies from governments, export credit agencies, development banks, academia and the private sector.
The Global Symposium 2022
Managing the Green Transition
Chaired by Professor Andreas Klasen, the Global Symposium 2022 at Offenburg about „Managing the Green Transition in Times of Crisis“ discussed challenges to trade in a new global order, as well as opportunities and threats of the green transition: Making policy goals mutually supportive creating challenges for internationally-oriented firms, financial institutions, governments and other stakeholders. In addition, the Germany-Scotland Forum on Responsible Green Growth covered top-level climate trade and investment priorities, as well as Environmental Social Governance. Panels focused on sustainability, hydrogen and renewable energy, as well as a more technology-oriented discussion how data and digitalisation are empowering companies’ journey towards sustainability and process efficiency.