The 25th World business dialogue

Let's talk Business!

We are a student-run non-profit company based in Cologne. Here, students can become entrepreneurial early in their academic careers and work on projects and events. With our connections to the business and start-up scene, as well as to students worldwide, we create a platform for exchange. An exchange between entrepreneurs and students, between generations and between countries. At our events, we enable peer-to-peer conversations in an informal atmosphere. Since 1984, many stories, ideas and careers have been created in this way more…

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Open House

You want to get to know us and become part of our core team? Then sign up for our Open House event! There we will introduce ourselves, answer all your questions and spend a nice evening with pizza and free drinks in our office.

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Talent Pool

Enter our talent pool to never miss an application deadline again! All members of the talent pool will be automatically considered for any event that fits their profile. Sign up!

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Why us?

Why us?

The power of diverse perspectives on current challenges and creative thinking is more needed than ever. We enable a dialogue at peer-to-peer level among bright students and accomplished leaders. As a student-run company, we can create a unique open and less formal atmosphere in our events which nevertheless is highly productive.

Talk to experienced leaders

Our formats are sponsored by a variety of top companies covering multiple industries. Each of these formats are led by high- ranked representatives. Enjoy the opportunity to connect with them not only on a professional but also a personal level.

Improve your skills and impress companies

This is your chance to impress top companies with your work attitude and skills. Stand out from fellow bright students from all over the world and make a lasting impression. All while improving your skills and broadening your knowledge in the event.

Meet likeminded international students

We select excellent students from all parts of the world to attend our events. Enjoy this unique spirit, connect with them and get to know different perspectives and tricks of the trade from like minded aspiring students. Whether it be regarding entrepreneurship, academics or international initiatives.

I just reached home and I wanted to thank you for the best week of my life. The conference, the people and the city of Cologne were absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to meet you all again.
Shaunak InamdarDelegate of the 23rd WBD
It was an honour and a great pleasure getting to know you all during the WBD23 week. I cherish these fond memories and so look forward to seeing you all again in Cologne and anywhere in the world. Thank you very much everyone in the organising team for your excellent work, be proud of yourselves!
Long NguyenDelegate of the 23rd WBD
This has changed my professional life as there was the Chief HR Officer of LVMH and she proposed me to make an internship at LVMH after the conference... then a job... My professional career wouldn't have been the same without the conference you organized.
Eugenia FornieriVP Executive Talent & Competencies at Danone
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Gain new perspectives

Connect your experience with unbiased out of the box thinking to gain new perspectives on today’s problems. To solve them we need both. Enjoy the opportunity to connect with bright students not only on a professional but also a personal level.

Brand your company

Establish your company as an employer for the next generation. Attend our interactive and discussive events to authentically represent your company, its values, and benefits to young talents.

Recruit new talents

Assess new talents during your sponsored event in a less formal environment. Get to know the work attitude and skills of your prospects in a surrounding that allows them to open up more freely than in an office or headquarter.

We held the CREATION LAB with three case study groups on Millenials marketing as part of the World Business Dialogue 2017. [...] At the same time, the CREATION LAB is a very good opportunity for employer branding and recruiting top international students. The support and selection of applicants by the OFW team was excellent. We will continue to actively use CREATION LAB in the future.
Dr. Nils DaeckeDIO at Henkel dx,
"During the event [...] in partnership with OFW, in which we worked with a great mix of committed, highly skilled and culturally diverse undergraduate/masters students, on the topic of ‘How do you see yourself working in the 21st Century’, OFW seamlessly facilitated the event perfectly, meaning that everyone involved was able to concentrate on the event itself. Due to the great success of the event itself [...] we look forward to a continued cooperation with OFW in the future."
Richard AlcalayProgram Director - DHL Consult
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Global Network

Past Speakers

Bill Gates
Auma Obama
Josef Ackermann
Kathrin Menges
Michael Bloomberg
Shinjini Kundu
Event Formats

Event Formats

The Conference
Once a year we host the World Business Dialogue, an international business conference for students and young professionals at the University of Cologne. We want to create a Dialogue between young leaders of tomorrow and experienced company leaders
Creation Labs
Get creative in our Creation Lab! Over the course of 2-3 days, teams of students work together on a business project and present their final solutions to the sponsor company. This is your chance to impress the company, apply and strengthen your analytical thinking skills, your team spirit and your out-of-the-box thinking.
Dinner & Debate
In the Dinner & Debate students and experts have the opportunity to discuss a thesis posed by the World Business Dialogue in one evening. What's special about it? Through the unique event concept we create an exchange on equal terms, where the barriers between top managers, professors and students are lifted! The Dinner & Debate starts with a joint meal during which the moderators of the evening introduce the agenda and introduce the rules of the game for the Oxford Style Debate that will follow.
Speed Datings
The first impression matters!  During a 10-minute exchange you get the chance to meet representatives of leading companies that might become your future employer! You have the chance to present yourself and gain relevant insights into career opportunities as well as sharpen your ability to pitch your strenghts.
Dialogue Night
Become part of the Dialogue! At the Dialogue Night, we suspend the usual hierarchies. Here, for one evening, students and entrepreneurs have the opportunity to get to know each other and network at eye level. Maybe you'll take the next step on your career ladder here?
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Partners of the Past

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Local Team

Our local team in Cologne

“No matter how bad the situation looks, you can always throw over everything, make a new plan and still succeed. Together as a team you can achieve everything! Just keep on going!”

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Impressions

Impressions of 2024

The World Business Dialogue 2024, held on June 6th at the University of Cologne, brought together global leaders, entrepreneurs, and young talents to shape the future of business. Under the theme “Resilience and Leadership in times where Purpose is needed,” the event sparked powerful discussions and connections.

A key highlight was Christian Lindner, former German Minister of Finance, sharing insights on economic transformation. Other top speakers including Nikolaus Valerius (CEO, RWE Generation) on sustainable energy and Daniel Jung (education entrepreneur) on the future of learning.

With dynamic panels, startup pitch battles, and high-level networking, the event was a hub of innovation and collaboration—concluding with an exclusive after-show party to celebrate its success.

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Impressions of 2023

2023 was an exciting year for us! In addition to several workshops and Creation Labs, we organized three Dialogue Nights where students and entrepreneurs could get to know each other and exchange ideas on an equal footing. The World Business Dialogue gives you the chance to connect with other people in an uncomplicated way. Combined with the openness of the city of Cologne this is a truly unique experience.

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