The Future of Global Business: A Connected Yet Disengaged World?

The Future of Global Business Conference, hosted by Georgetown McDonough’s Baratta Center for Global Business, will bring together senior executives from the international business community, policymakers, and Georgetown faculty, students, and alumni for a far-reaching discussion on the future of global business in the coming years, especially in an increasingly “disengaged” world. The conference will focus on global value chains, cross-border investing, artificial intelligence, and the future of globalization. It will feature speakers from across industries, including keynote conversations with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, on the current state of globalization and with Moisés Naím, former Minister of Trade and Industry of Venezuela, on what to expect in the future of global business, trade, and investing.

Please join us for what promises to be a stimulating day of discussion on some of the most pressing challenges and promising opportunities facing the global business community.

Agenda 

2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Center Welcome

Short presentation and discussion about the vision of the Baratta Center and an invitation to participate in future events and activities.

Joseph Baratta (B’93), Global Head of Private Equity, Blackstone

Paul Almeida, Dean and William R. Berkley Chair, McDonough School of Business

Ricardo Ernst, Baratta Chair in Global Business, McDonough School of Business

Anil Khurana, Research Professor and Executive Director of the Baratta Center for Global Business

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Remarks on Globalization

Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce

2:50 – 3:35 p.m. Future of Global and Cross-Border Investing

This insightful session will explore how geopolitics, currency shifts, inflation, fiscal deficits, taxes, regulations, sustainability, and demographics are expected to shape the future of global and cross-border investing. Gain valuable insights into the perspectives of different investor types, from corporate to private equity, sovereign wealth funds, and government funding. Discover also how these investors are thinking about global priorities like poverty alleviation, climate change, and others.

Joseph Baratta (B’93), Global Head of Private Equity, Blackstone

Kevin Warsh, Fellow, Stanford Hoover Institution; Former Federal Reserve Governor

Stephanie von Friedeburg (SFS’87), Managing Director of Capital Markets, Citi

Moderated by Jennie Bai, Professor of Finance, McDonough School of Business

3:35 – 3:45 p.m. Coffee Break

3:45 – 4:30 p.m. Future of Global Value Chains

Global value chains are changing and being reconstructed due to ongoing disruptions such as geopolitics and de-globalization pressures; technology and AI; supply chain disruptions; customer expectations; sustainability and climate drivers; demographic changes; and shifts in value propositions and business models. And these disruptions are all typically found at the intersection of key ecosystem players (suppliers, distributors, channels, customers, etc.) and countries and governments. How should companies, policymakers, and investors respond to value chain and ecosystem changes? 

Andres Gluski, CEO, AES

Jennifer Morgan, Head of Portfolio Operations, Blackstone

Amer Battikhi, Senior Vice President, Platforms, Technologies, and Software Solutions, Jacobs

Moderated by Ricardo Ernst

4:35 – 5:15 p.m. AI, People, and the Future of Global Business

AI promises to revolutionize global industries and transform business operations. But will it augment human capabilities and require evolving skillsets, or is there a less optimistic scenario? Further, AI is expected to enhance efforts to address pressing human challenges such as climate change and poverty, or help design sustainable solutions and empower communities to uplift themselves – and be a powerful ally in creating a more equitable and inclusive world. Join this diverse panel comprising a technology leader, a champion of workplace culture and equity, and an investor in global development.

Michael Bush, CEO, Great Place to Work

Dan Diasio, Global Artificial Intelligence Consulting Leader, EY

Moderated by Alberto Rossi, Professor and Director of the AI, Analytics, and Future of Work Initiative, McDonough School of Business

5:15 – 5:30 p.m. Synopsis and Future Plans

Anil Khurana
Ricardo Ernst

5:30 – 5:45 p.m. Coffee Break

5:45 – 6:45 p.m. Future of Globalism and Globalization

Fireside interview with Moisés Naím, Distinguished Fellow, Carnegie Endowment and Former Minister of Trade and Industry, Venezuela

Moderated by Nuno Limao, Wallenberg Chair Professor, Georgetown University

6:45 – 7:30 p.m. Reception and Announcement of the Annual Global Citizen Award