Economic Forum February

At the Economic Forum on 11 February 2025, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg reminisced about Neubeuern before he spoke with great seriousness about his view of current political world events.

The timing could not have been more perfect for an economic forum with its prominent guest Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. Following Trump’s inauguration and shortly before the German general election, Schloss Neubeuern demonstrated the importance of his educational philosophy more clearly than ever before with an unforgettable evening centred on global politics. In a fully booked ballroom, many decision-makers and entrepreneurs from the region as well as prominent guests, such as District Administrator Otto Lederer and Rosenheim’s Lord Mayor Andreas März, witnessed an unforgettable evening with an absolutely approachable and likeable Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. Having grown up in this region, he felt “right at home” and opened with a few anecdotes from his youth, which immediately created a familiar atmosphere in the hall.

Community. Versatile learning. New perspectives – these were the three aspects under which Simon Knell, a Year 11 pupil, introduced “his Schloss Neubeuern” at the start of the evening and passionately expressed his firm belief in a positive development in world affairs – if these aspects were taken to heart not only at Schloss Neubeuern, but also in society in general.

Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg was so impressed by this laudatory speech from a young student that he used Simon’s aspects as a hook for his own speech, in which he analysed the big questions of our time: “Quo Vadis Deutschland & Europa?” – Where are Germany and Europe heading in the midst of inflation, the energy transition and far-reaching geopolitical changes?
Guttenberg emphasised the need for Germany and Europe to redefine their role in a world in upheaval. He pleaded for more personal responsibility and less dependence on other powers. Both Germany and Europe were too dependent on other countries and markets in important areas such as security, energy, raw materials, trade, labour, technology and capital. Europe must be more united and represent its own interests with confidence.

The experience of being taken seriously and praised by such an experienced and prominent politician and later being involved in discussions was a unique and formative experience for Simon and Joel. Overall, all of the pupils were impressed by Guttenberg’s expertise and commitment. They asked him critical questions in advance and looked for answers to the pressing problems of their generation. Guttenberg encouraged them to try things out and to see occasional failure as a valuable experience in order to take a further step towards growth.

Time and again, Guttenberg succeeded impressively in involving the students and their commitment in his presentation. He paid tribute to Joel Krämer, a Year 11 pupil, for his impressive presentation “Power Shift 2.0” on NATO between the Arctic, space and the multipolar world order.

www.wirtschaftsforum-schloss-neubeuern.de