By activating or deactivating his Starlink systems, tech billionaire Elon Musk has the ability to directly influence the course of the war in Ukraine: when he cut off the Russian military’s internet connection in early 2026, Ukraine made its greatest territorial gains since 2023. This exemplifies the immense relevance of digital technology, major tech platforms and artificial intelligence for peace and development. Big Tech shapes the global security landscape, influences the capacity of states to act from the local level to international politics, and determines who gains access to future opportunities – or remains excluded.

Taking this new digital power seriously as a geopolitical reality, the Bonn Symposium 2026 asks: How can these technological innovations be harnessed to promote equitable global development without cementing new dependencies? And what responsibilities does this entail for politics, business, civil society and international cooperation

1) Between Regulation and Innovation: Power and access in the AI Age 
Sept. 30, 2026; 12:30 - 13:30 hrs CET

How can governments regulate the concentration of digital power in the hands of private tech companies in order to strengthen democracy and global participation, without stifling innovation and economic opportunities?

Featuring, amongst others:
Marie Kilg, AI expert, journalist, co-host of “Der KI-Podcast”, ARD

2) From Early Warning to Escalation: AI and the Future of Conflict
Oct. 14, 2026; 12:30 - 13:30 hrs CET
Partner: Centre for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS), University of Bonn

What threat scenarios exist in the field of digital conflicts relating to cyber security? How can states prepare for these threats whilst upholding accountability and the rule of law in the use of AI?

Featuring, amongst others:
Dr Sven Herpig, Lead Cybersecurity Policy and Resilience, Interface – Tech analysis and policy ideas for Europe e. V.

3) Amplifying Asymmetries? How AI is Transforming Labour Markets and International Diplomacy
Oct. 28, 2026; 12:30 - 13:30 hrs CET
Partner: Academy of International Affairs NRW (AIA)

How are digital technologies and AI changing the global balance of power – particularly in labour markets and in the field of international cooperation?

Featuring, amongst others:
Tuhinsubhra Giri, Assistant Professor, Christ University, Bangalore, India

Nov. 17, 2026, Old Town Hall, Bonn, 18:00 hrs (Doors: 17:30 hrs) CET

Big Tech as a Geopolitical Actor: Peace and Development in the Digital Age

Featuring, amongst others:
Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs and Media for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia

Markus Beckedahl, founder of the Centre for Digital Rights and Democracy; co-initiator of the re:publica conference; founder and former editor-in-chief of the blog Netzpolitik.org