26th Edition · 26 June 2026 · Cologne
— Unite to Compete
with engaged students, experts, and leaders.
Stage Program
Keynotes, panel discussions and live interviews with Europe's leading voices.
Company Speed Datings
Fast-paced 1:1 sessions connecting students directly with company representatives.
Dialogue Sessions
Small-group conversations between students and senior company executives.
Career Fair
Open-format meetings with recruiting teams from Europe's leading organisations.
Afterparty/Dinner
Continue the conversation in a relaxed evening setting with speakers and guests.
Europe doesn't lack talent or ideas.
It lacks the urgency to act on them together.
WBD 2026 · Generation Europe
Prof. Dr. Jens Südekum
Economist & Advisor to the german ministry of finance
Dr. Rüdiger Grube
Former CEO, Deutsche Bahn
Ulrike Sapiro
Managing Director, Jacquues Delors Friends of Europe Foundation
Julius van de Laar
Political Strategist & Campaigning Consultant
Prof. Dr. Hermann Simon
Founder, Simon Kucher & Partners
Matthias Lehna
Managing Director, Quantum Frontline Industries
Sven Weizenegger
Chairman of the Management Board and Head of Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub
Sabine Verheyen
Vicepresident,EU-Parliament
Damian Boeselager
Member of the EU-Parliamentl and Founder, VOLT Europa
Claudius Laskawy
Vicepresident, DTCP Liberty
Dirk Olufs
CIO, DHL Express
Cihan Sügür
Associated Partner for Public & Defense, MHP - A Porsche Company
Moments of debate, connection, and impact from our 2025 edition.
· Limited seats available
WBD is entirely student-run. Every speaker invited, every session shaped, every moment crafted by a team of committed students just like you. Applications to join our team are open.
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The WBD 2025 Team
