TRENDS Research & Advisory participated in the fifth Geopolitical Summit through its Virtual Office in Germany, emphasizing the vital role of think tanks and research centers in interpreting international events and transformations. During the event, TRENDS also emphasized providing strategic insights that contribute to understanding challenges and formulating innovative solutions. Thus, they help decision-makers deal with accelerating transformations and uncertainty.

Mr. Urs Unkauf, the Extraordinary Authorized Representative – BWA Global Economic Network and the office’s senior advisor, participated in the fifth Geopolitical Summit organized by the Danube Institute and The Heritage Foundation in the German capital, Berlin, from September 15-16, 2025.

During the summit, Mr. Unkauf delivered a speech in a panel discussion — What Comes After Globalization? Trade, Technology, and the New Economic Order — alongside former Czech President Václav Klaus. In this session, he engaged with leading scholars, policymakers, and conservative thought leaders to examine the most significant challenges facing the post-war international order.

Mr. Unkauf argued that the post-globalization era is driving radical transformations in the international economic system, manifested in the restructuring of supply chains, the rise of technological competition, and the intensification of geopolitical challenges. He emphasized that anticipating the future requires strengthening international cooperation and developing new, more flexible, and fairer frameworks for managing the global economy.

The summit also addressed issues of power redistribution at the geographical, institutional, and ideological levels. Discussions focused on energy security, institutional legitimacy, demographic shifts, and Eurasian competition. At the same time, strategic visions aimed at building sustainable political stability in an era of rapid change and uncertainty were presented.

TRENDS explained that Mr. Unkauf’s summit participation came within TRENDS’ commitment to strengthening its international presence and enriching the global thought industry. This commitment involves engaging in significant international discussions and exchanging insights with decision-makers, experts, and opinion leaders on pressing geopolitical and economic issues.

TRENDS further underscored its dedication to expanding channels of strategic dialogue and building bridges of knowledge cooperation with influential global research institutions and think tanks, thereby contributing to the formulation of practical solutions to common challenges.