Change begins with conversation.
For over 75 years, Salzburg Global has brought together diverse voices at Schloss Leopoldskron to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Now, we’re opening the doors even wider.
Introducing Conversation Changers — our brand new podcast where thought leaders, artists, policymakers, and change-makers from around the globe come together to reframe dialogue, explore new ideas, and imagine better futures.
Join us now and be part of changing the conversation!
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To launch Conversation Changers, Eric Olander speaks with Martin Weiss, our President and Chief Executive Officer, to reflect on Salzburg Global’s origins in the aftermath of WWII — and why our mission of fostering dialogue and reconciliation is more urgent than ever.
From the historic setting of Schloss Leopoldskron to the role of the arts and listening in bridging divides, this conversation sets the stage for what’s to come: bold ideas, diverse voices, and stories of transformation.
For over 75 years, Salzburg Global has brought together diverse voices at Schloss Leopoldskron to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Now, we’re opening the doors even wider.
Introducing Conversation Changers — our brand new podcast where thought leaders, artists, policymakers, and change-makers from around the globe come together to reframe dialogue, explore new ideas, and imagine better futures.
Join us now and be part of changing the conversation!
The Shifting Balance of Power in Europe with Steven Erlanger
Season 1 · Episode 2
Thursday, October 2, 2025 • Duration 22:40
In this episode of Conversation Changers our President and CEO Martin Weiss sits down with Steven Erlanger, the chief diplomatic correspondent for the New York Times in Europe. Over four decades, Steven has reported from more than 120 countries, serving as bureau chief in cities from Moscow to Jerusalem to London to Bangkok. He's a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for his sharp insights on Russia and the shifting balance of power across Europe and beyond.
In this conversation, Steven and Martin discuss the current state of Europe in relation to the United States, the challenges posed by migration, his experiences in Moscow during pivotal moments in history, and the complexities of understanding Putin's narrative regarding Ukraine. The dialogue highlights the shifting dynamics of power, economic decline, and the impact of migration on European societies.
Chapters
00:00 The Decline of Europe: A Historical Perspective
06:01 Migration Challenges in Europe
11:01 Reflections on Moscow: A Journalist's Journey
16:46 Understanding Putin: The Russian Narrative
About Steven Erlanger
Steven Erlanger is the chief diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times, covering Europe from his base in Berlin. He writes on foreign policy, European policy, diplomacy, conflict, migration, and integration, with more recent focus on NATO, American foreign policy, Russia, and the war in Ukraine.
He studied political philosophy and government at Harvard and later taught at the Kennedy School of Government. Having grown up during the Vietnam War, attended Woodstock, and found his way into journalism, he began at The Boston Globe before joining The New York Times in 1987.
Erlanger has reported from more than 120 countries, some of them no longer in existence, and has served as bureau chief in London, Bangkok, Moscow, Paris, Jerusalem, Berlin, Brussels, Prague, and Belgrade, as well as chief diplomatic correspondent in Washington.
Africa at the Centre: Rethinking Conservation with Kaddu Sebunya
Season 1 · Episode 5
Thursday, November 13, 2025 • Duration 27:14
Kaddu Sebunya, CEO of the African Wildlife Foundation, joins Salzburg Global President & CEO Martin Weiss to challenge how the world thinks about conservation. For decades, global efforts have focused on protecting wildlife from people — but Kaddu argues that the future of conservation depends on putting people at the centre.
In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, Kaddu shares how African-led, people-centred approaches are transforming communities, driving economic opportunity, and redefining the global sustainability agenda. From mountain gorillas in Rwanda to youth movements across the continent, he makes a bold case: the future of the planet depends on Africa.
Why traditional conservation models — rooted in colonial history — have failed African communities
How centering people, livelihoods, and local economies leads to more sustainable conservation outcomes
The success story of Rwanda’s community-owned luxury lodges and mountain gorilla conservation
The crucial role of Africa’s youth in shaping the continent’s political, economic, and environmental future
Why the global fight against climate change cannot succeed without Africa
How Europe and Africa can move beyond aid toward equitable trade, investment, and shared innovation
The mindset shift Kaddu believes is needed: from protecting Africa to partnering with Africa
Chapters:
00:00 The Need for a People-Centered Approach to Conservation
10:12 Rethinking Conservation Economics
20:11 The Role of Youth in Africa's Future
26:07 Optimism and Opportunities in Africa's Development
China and the Great Reckoning with Kaiser Kuo
Season 1 · Episode 4
Thursday, October 30, 2025 • Duration 30:15
“We have to stop asking, ‘What does China want?’ and start reckoning with what it actually is.” — Kaiser Kuo
Salzburg Global’s podcast series Conversation Changers brings the spirit of dialogue, openness, and innovation that defines Salzburg Global to audiences worldwide. In each episode, leading thinkers and practitioners explore the forces reshaping our societies — and how we can engage with them to create a better, more inclusive future.
In this new episode, host Eric Olander speaks with Kaiser Kuo, host of The Sinica Podcast and Salzburg Global Fellow, to unpack one of the defining megatrends of our time: China’s transformation and its impact on global power dynamics.
From ration cards in the 1980s to high-speed trains and artificial intelligence breakthroughs, China’s evolution has been breathtaking — and polarizing. Together, Eric and Kaiser explore how perceptions of China have shifted over the decades, why global debates about its legitimacy and ambitions have hardened, and what this “Great Reckoning” means for the future of global order.
Kaiser argues that this is a civilizational turning point — a moment when the world must come to terms with a China that is no longer rising, but setting the pace.
“Modernity is no longer something the West owns. China has become one of its principal architects.” — Kaiser Kuo
In this episode you'll hear:
How China’s rapid transformation has reshaped society, technology, and prosperity
Why Western hopes that China would “become like us” were misplaced or misunderstood
The enduring divide between “dragon slayers” and “panda huggers” — and what it reveals about Western attitudes
How China’s model of modernization without Westernization inspires the Global South
The role of propaganda, social media, and “infrastructure porn” in shaping perceptions
Navigating the Misinformation Maze with Tina Purnat
Season 1 · Episode 3
Thursday, October 16, 2025 • Duration 22:58
Salzburg Global’s podcast series Conversation Changers brings the spirit of dialogue, openness, and innovation that defines Salzburg Global to audiences worldwide. In each episode, leading thinkers and practitioners explore pressing global challenges — and how we can rethink them for a better future.
In this new episode, host Eric Olander speaks with Tina Purnat, a leading expert on health communication and the social dynamics of information, about the complex realities of navigating health information in today’s digital age. Together, they explore how misinformation spreads, how trust is built and eroded, and what it takes to restore confidence in health systems.
Purnat reflects on the shifting relationship between health authorities, media, and the public, and why trustworthiness — not just trust — lies at the heart of effective health communication. The discussion delves into the role of social media, the growing influence of health influencers, and the importance of cultural context in shaping how people interpret health messages.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
How the digital age has transformed the way people seek and believe health information
Why mistrust in institutions has become a public health challenge
The role of social media and influencers in shaping perceptions of health and science
How cultural context affects the success or failure of public health messaging
Why rebuilding trust begins with self-reflection and community engagement
The episode underscores a vital point: tackling misinformation isn’t just about correcting facts — it’s about reconnecting people, communities, and systems through dialogue and empathy.
Chapters:
00:00 The Erosion of Trust in Health Information
02:56 The Role of Social Media in Health Decisions
Using AI to Solve Bias and Preserve Ancestral Knowledge with Malik Afegbua
Season 1 · Episode 6
Thursday, November 27, 2025 • Duration 22:35
What if the next frontier of artificial intelligence wasn't about the future but about reclaiming the past? Nigerian artist, filmmaker, and creative technologist Malik Afegbua became a global conversation-changer when his viral "Elder Series"—AI-generated images of stylish seniors on a fashion runway—highlighted the deep-seated biases in AI training data, forcing us to confront the lack of representation in our digital future.
In this powerful episode, Malik argues that the solution to AI’s bias lies in intentional storytelling and leveraging technology to connect directly with the wisdom of the past. He introduces the revolutionary concept of creating digital twins of our ancestors, which would enable future generations to engage with their heritage and access "credible knowledge from our ancestors”.
Malik and host Eric Olander discuss how African creatives are intentionally shaping AI, how understanding historical context is crucial for future projections, and why embracing technology can be the most powerful way to preserve cultural legacy for a better tomorrow.
What you'll hear in this episode:
Why the quality of AI's outputs depends entirely on challenging its biased inputs, and the role of African creatives in that process.
The groundbreaking vision of creating 'digital twins' to represent and learn from ancestral knowledge in a modern context.
How preserving African histories through technology is helping to build an aspirational future not one that is suppressed or sad.
Why understanding historical timelines is crucial for revealing patterns that inform our decisions today.
Malik’s advice on how a positive mindset and intentional stories can empower change without needing external permission.
Chapters:
00:00 The Rise of AI in Daily Life
Science, Power, and the Future of Global Cooperation with Eric Maskin
Season 1 · Episode 8
Thursday, January 8, 2026 • Duration 36:02
What happens when economic expertise meets political upheaval?
In this episode of Conversation Changers, Nobel Prize–winning economist Eric Maskin sits down with Salzburg Global CEO & President, Martin Weiss, to reflect on how receiving the Nobel Prize expanded his public role at a time when expertise, science, and democratic institutions are increasingly under pressure. Trained as a mathematician and now a leading voice in game theory and voting systems, Maskin discusses why engaging beyond the classroom has become essential — and why science, by its very nature, must remain open, tentative, and evidence-driven.
The conversation ranges widely, from the promise and backlash surrounding vaccines to the shifting trajectory of China’s economy under Xi Jinping. Maskin explores how China’s earlier market liberalization has slowed, the role individual leaders play in shaping history, and why exposure to Western education continues to influence China’s scientific and economic elites.
Turning to the United States, Maskin offers a firsthand perspective on growing tensions between elite universities and political power, including the mounting pressure on Harvard and what it means for academic freedom. He also delivers a clear-eyed critique of tariffs, arguing that they function as a tax on consumers, undermine global cooperation, and risk destabilizing the post-war economic order that has underpinned decades of relative peace.
Finally, Maskin challenges listeners to rethink how societies respond to globalization and automation. Rather than retreating behind trade barriers, he argues, the real solution lies in investing in training, adaptation, and opportunity — changing the conversation from protection to progress.
A wide-ranging and timely discussion on economics, democracy, and why individuals still matter in shaping our collective future.
(Editors Note: This episode was recorded in August 2025)
Chapters:
00:00 The Role of Experts in Society
02:58 Eric Maskin: A Nobel Laureate's Journey
AI's Impact on Education and Creativity with Jasvin Bhasin
Season 1 · Episode 7
Thursday, December 11, 2025 • Duration 25:09
In this thought-provoking episode of Conversation Changers, host Eric Olander sits down with tech philosopher and engineer Jasvin Bhasin to explore one of the defining questions of our time: What does it mean to be human in the age of AI?
With 84% of U.S. high school students already using AI for schoolwork and major companies restructuring their workforces around automation, Jasvin and Eric unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, creativity, and the global job market. They examine the commoditization of creative output, the rise of the attention economy, and why the humanities may become more—not less—essential in an AI-driven era.
Jasvin offers a compelling case for redefining value in the digital age, championing interdisciplinary collaboration and a renewed emphasis on decision-making, critical thinking, and “genius” as the ability to see what others cannot. She shares why she’s optimistic about Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and how young people can prepare for jobs that don’t yet exist.
This episode challenges long-held assumptions about intelligence, productivity, and the future of work—and invites listeners to rethink how societies should adapt as machines increasingly share the cognitive landscape with humans.
This conversation explores the profound impact of artificial intelligence on education, creativity, and the job market. It highlights the increasing reliance on AI in schools, the commoditization of creativity, and the need to reevaluate educational systems and skills for the future. The discussion emphasizes the importance of humanities and critical thinking in an AI-driven world, while also empowering the next generation to navigate these changes effectively.
Chapters:
00:00 The Rise of AI in Education
Human Flourishing: The True Purpose of Education with Vishal Talreja
Thursday, April 30, 2026 • Duration 29:14
Is the traditional education system preparing young people for a world of work that no longer exists, or is it causing harm to the most vulnerable?
In this episode of Conversation Changers, host Eric Olander explores the shifting landscape of global education and the workforce. As the economy transitions from a traditional "triangle" model to a "diamond" shape, entry-level opportunities for young people are shrinking, and the rise of artificial intelligence is rendering rote-based learning antiquated.
Joining the conversation is Vishal Talreja, a Salzburg Global Fellow and the co-founder of Dream a Dream, a charitable trust in India that has impacted over three million children. Talreja argues that current systems—particularly in highly competitive environments like India—fail to account for the "adverse circumstances" faced by children from disadvantaged backgrounds, often leading to a "failure to thrive".
From the "Creative Life Skills" approach to the necessity of compassionate adults in a child's life, this episode offers a profound look at how we can redefine success to focus on human flourishing and societal well-being.
In this episode we’ll delve into:
The Diamond Economy: Why the traditional entry points into the workforce are disappearing and what this means for the next generation.
Developmental Milestones and Adversity: Understanding how poverty, neglect, and violence prevent children from reaching critical milestones before they even enter the classroom.
The Creative Life Skills Approach: How play, the arts, and experiential learning build the resilience and adaptability needed for an uncertain future.
The Power of a Caring Adult: Why the presence of one non-judgemental mentor can be the ultimate "game changer" for a child’s trajectory.
Shifting the Mindset of Success: A call to move the goalposts of education away from mere financial gain towards "human flourishing" and "planetary thriving".
Systemic Reform and Advocacy: The challenges of convincing tradition-bound governments and competitive parents to embrace more compassionate, holistic educational models.
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Conservation isn’t about protecting animals from people — it’s about empowering people to live with and benefit from wildlife. To secure a sustainable future, the world must change the conversation and recognise Africa’s central role in global survival.
About Kaddu Sebunya:
Kaddu Sebunya is the Chief Executive Officer of African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). He has over 25 years’ experience in conservation at grassroots, national and regional levels in the USA, Africa, and Europe, and is now responsible for driving AWF’s long term-strategy.
Kaddu has worked with Oxfam UK, the World Conservation Union - IUCN, USA Peace Corps, Conservation International, and Solimar International.
He believes conserving Africa’s wildlife is too important and too urgent to be left to the West alone. He is concerned that big African voices leading the fight against the destruction of habitat and wildlife today are few, arguing that it is time the African elite step forward.
Working with leaders in business, politics, civil society, policy, international development and education as well as the youth, Kaddu is building a global coalition for conservation to protect Africa’s natural capital for posterity. He sees conservation as a social, economic, security and health question requiring new partnerships and multi-sectoral strategies for the people and wildlife to benefit.
Kaddu is a member of the China-Africa Wildlife Conservation Council, a group of civil society and business leaders convened by AWF and the Aspen Institute to serve as a people-to-people platform for supporting China-Africa cooperation on wildlife and wildlands conservation, sustainable economic development, and governance. He is also a member of the Club of Rome and contributes frequently to newspapers in Africa, Europe and the USA.
Kaddu has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and two Master’s degrees: An MA in Law, Policy and Diplomacy from The Fletcher School, Tufts University, USA; and an MSc in Sustainable Resource Management and Policy (Imperial - Wye College, University of London).
Why generational shifts suggest a changing global view of China
Kaiser’s call to “stop asking what China wants” and start understanding it on its own terms
The episode underscores a vital idea: modernity is no longer a Western monopoly. Understanding China today means reckoning with a new global reality — one that demands humility, balance, and genuine dialogue.
Chapters:
00:00 China's Transformation: A Historical Perspective
05:10 Polarization in Global Discourse on China
10:01 Engagement vs. Isolation: The West's Approach to China
15:02 The Great Reckoning: Shifting Perspectives on China
19:59 Understanding Modernity: China’s Role in the 21st Century
About Kaiser Kuo
Kaiser Kuo is the host of The Sinica Podcast, a leading platform for nuanced conversations about China and the Chinese diaspora. A writer, musician, and longtime observer of China’s transformation, he has been at the heart of cross-cultural exchange for decades. Kaiser is also a Salzburg Global Fellow, bringing his deep insights on media, identity, and geopolitics to the Salzburg Global community.
Tina Purnat is a global health expert working at the intersection of data, technology, and policy. With over 20 years of experience—including leadership roles at the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)— she helps organizations navigate complex health systems and design smarter, evidence-based solutions.
Currently, Tina is Vice President of the Global Health section at the European Public Health Association (EUPHA), an Associate Editor for several peer-reviewed journals, and a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) candidate at Harvard University. Her work spans pandemic preparedness, digital health, trustworthy AI standards and systems, and the intersection of digital society with public health. Tina uses innovative, systems-based approaches to help organizations and governments design resilient, ethical, and people-centered health responses in a rapidly changing world.
12:03 Preserving African Histories through Technology
17:46 Reimagining the Future with AI
20:56 Empowering Change through Technology
About Malik Afegbua:
Malik Afegbua is a Nigerian artist and the CEO of Slickcity Media, in Lagos, Nigeria. He weaves magic across film, VR, and design. At Slickcity Media, he crafts documentaries, commercials, and immersive VR experiences, pushing boundaries and blending tradition with innovative tech like VR and AI art.
His viral "The Elder Series" exemplifies his genius. Using AI, he reimagined seniors in vibrant fashion shows, sparking a global dialogue about inclusivity and challenging ageism. But Malik's impact extends beyond visuals. He is a champion for social change and founded C.E.L.S. to empower Nigerian youth through education and mentorship.
He is a cultural guardian, collaborating with Meta to preserve African heritage through VR documentaries. His expertise in AI design shines through collaborations with Marvel Studios, Cadbury, Glenfiddich, IBM, and more. His AI art has graced platforms like Cannes and the Mozambique Ministry of Tourism.
At Slickcity Media, Malik leads the charge, translating ideas into captivating content across platforms. He harnesses the power of AI to enhance storytelling and deliver innovative narratives, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity.
08:51 China's Economic Model: Successes and Challenges
11:53 The Impact of Xi Jinping on China's Future
14:54 The Human Element in History and Leadership
17:53 The Current State of American Universities
21:08 Tariffs and Their Economic Implications
26:58 Changing the Conversation: Solutions for the Future
About Eric Maskin:
Eric Maskin was born in New York City, but grew up in New Jersey. Maskin studied mathematics at Harvard University under Laureate in Economic Sciences Kenneth Arrow. He taught economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 1977-1984, after which he went on to become a professor at Harvard and subsequently Princeton University. He returned to Harvard in 2011.
Eric Maskin has worked in diverse areas of economic theory. He received the Nobel Prize for his work on mechanism design theory, a specialized form of game theory that attempts to maximize gain for all parties within markets. Maskin and fellow laureate Roger Myerson built on the mechanism design work of Leonid Hurwicz, who was the pioneer in the field.
02:50 Creativity and Original Thought in the Age of AI
05:43 Reevaluating Education and Skills for the Future
09:09 The Importance of Humanities in the AI Era
11:53 Navigating the Job Market in an AI-Driven World
14:54 Empowering the Next Generation
17:50 Changing the Conversation Around AI
About Jasvin Bhasin
Jasvin Bhasin is a German tech philosopher, computer engineer and advisor with Indian roots. She is the founder of bridge.the.NEXT( ), a Munich-based "think-and-do" tank dedicated to shaping the future at the intersection of technology, society and leadership.
Her work spans advising start-ups, corporates, government agencies and academia on topics such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and the future of work. A sought-after keynote speaker and writer, Jasvin brings a unique perspective to technological transformation and human-centered innovation.
She is a Salzburg Global Fellow and an active mentor in several industry programs focused on empowering the next generation of leaders. Prior to founding her venture, Jasvin spent more than a decade building an international career across the technology, banking, and automotive industries.
Vishal Talreja co-founded Dream a Dream along with 11 others. Vishal is an Ashoka Fellow, an Eisenhower Fellow, a Salzburg Global Seminar Fellow and a board member at PYE Global and Goonj. He has previously been a founding director of Unltd India and a board member of India Cares Foundation. He is the co-founder of Karanga - a Global Alliance on Life Skills and SEL. Vishal has been recognized as an "Architect of the Future" by the Waldzell Institut in Austria. He is also an advisor and mentor to Reap Benefit and is deeply committed to mentoring start-up NGOs and young social entrepreneurs. He is a TEDx Speaker, active writer on development challenges and human-interest stories and a poet. In 2018, he was awarded the 'Heroes of Bengaluru' award. Vishal believes that if we can re-imagine learning to develop empathy, creative thinking, problem solving and collaborative working skills amongst young people, they will be able to overcome adversity and flourish in this fast-changing world.
Eric Olander is a veteran journalist and media executive with over 30 years of experience reporting for world-leading organisations including CNN, France 24, and the BBC World Service. He is a Salzburg Global Fellow and the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The China-Global South Project, an independent media initiative exploring global engagement with the developing world.
