Global Changemakers Workshop
About the Workshop
The Global Changemakers Workshop (GCW) is designed to equip the next generation of leaders to build a better future by reflecting on their values, tackling global challenges, and safeguarding democracy. The workshop was first launched in 2023 and fosters reflective insights, critical analysis, and collective problem-solving.
The workshop annually gathers a cohort of 25-35 year old professionals from a variety of sectors around the world. Each year it identifies a challenge to democracy. Through nonpartisan and intentionally crafted dialogue, the workshop builds a global cohort dedicated to transformational change within their communities.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Announcing the 2026 GCW Cohort
On September 1, 2026, the Aspen Institute International Partners announced the cohort of the 2026 Global Changemakers Workshop (GCW): 20 rising leaders, nominated by each International Partner, who are working on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence, security, and technology in societies around the world.
Now in its fourth year, GCW 2026, titled “Decision-Making in an Age of AI,” will take place from September 16-20 in Hyderabad, India, with support from our knowledge partner, the Ananta Aspen Centre.
This year’s workshop will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping power within and across states, influencing the relationships among governments, institutions, and the people they serve. The cohort will examine where power is concentrating across the AI ecosystem, who should define the limits and responsibilities of these technologies, and which high-stakes decisions must ultimately remain human.
Ideas. Experts. Leaders.
Since 2023, the workshop has welcomed over 70 Changemakers approximately between the ages of 25-35 years old.
Over 20 countries have been represented at the workshop across changemakers and experts.
Since 2023, over 60 hours of dialogue and exchange dedicated to the workshop.
“The [workshop] reinforced that leadership in today’s world demands curiosity, humility, and the willingness to engage in difficult conversations.“
– James Eggers | GCW 2025
Explore the Workshops
Understanding the challenges that affect democratic systems, values, and societies are key to identifying solutions.
TECHNOLOGY & Democracy | DECISION-MAKING IN AN AGE OF AI
The 2026 Global Changemakers Workshop will bring together its fourth cohort in Hyderabad, India, with support from knowledge partner the Ananta Aspen Centre. Under the theme Decision-Making in an Age of AI, GCW 2026 will convene a diverse cohort of young leaders to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping power within and across states while transforming the relationships among governments, institutions, and the people they serve. The workshop will feature traditional Aspen seminars and four policy roundtables exploring AI as a new infrastructure of power; its implications for institutions, work, and access; its growing role in security and strategic competition; and the guardrails needed to protect democratic governance and human agency. Through dialogue with experts and practitioners, participants will consider where power is concentrating across the AI ecosystem, who should define the limits and responsibilities of these technologies, and which high-stakes decisions must ultimately remain human.
Migration & Democracy | The Price of Passage
Aspen Colombia co-hosted the third edition of the Global Changemakers in 2025 in Bogotá. Titled The Price of Passage: Borders, Belonging, and Power, GCW 2025 convened a cohort of 18 young leaders to examine the moral, geopolitical, security, and economic dimensions of migration as a structural reality shaping the decade ahead. The workshop featured traditional Aspen seminars, four policy roundtables mapping the migrant journey from root causes and internal displacement to transit, integration, and return, conversations with Colombian officials and experts, direct exchange with Venezuelan migrants, and a policy design exercise that built actionable pathways for policymakers worldwide.
Read the report here.
Climate & democracy | The Race to the Greener Future
Aspen Central Europe – Warsaw Office co-hosted the second edition of the Global Changemakers workshop in 2024 in Warsaw. GCW 2024 brought together around 20 young leaders to examine the ethical, geopolitical, and economic considerations as they relate to environmental sustainability and the procurement of critical minerals and rare earth metals. The workshop featured traditional Aspen seminars, policy roundtable discussions in collaboration with Aspen’s Energy and Environment Program, and a unique opportunity for closed-door conversation with Polish Undersecretary of State & Chief National Geologist.
Democratic challenges | Democracy Forward: Inspiring Change in Today’s World
Aspen Institute Germany co-hosted the inaugural Global Changemakers workshop in 2023 in Berlin, bringing together around 40 young leaders to tackle the most pressing global challenges facing democracy today. The program featured traditional Aspen seminar sessions, a geopolitical simulation, and several cultural visits that prompted reflection on democracies in peril. Changemakers engaged in key conversations with renowned global speakers and Aspen Institute leaders who are actively promoting democratic values in their work. At the workshop’s conclusion, Changemakers had the opportunity to share their insights from the workshop with the Y20 delegates ahead of their convening.
