Building transatlantic connections
Established and emerging leaders from business, politics and academia in Germany and the United States, in one network.
Where German and American leaders meet the next generation
The Council of the German American Conference at Harvard brings leaders from business, politics and academia together with students, at the conference and at its own events in Berlin and Washington.
17
Conferences since 2008
1,000+
Participants a year
100+
Speakers a year
Our mission
The Council brings together American and German leaders from business, politics and academia with students.
At the annual German American Conference at Harvard, people from different backgrounds ask hard questions, learn from each other and debate the transatlantic issues that matter most.
Between conferences, members meet at the Council’s own events and forums. By building a community of established and aspiring leaders in the United States and Germany, the Council works to strengthen transatlantic relations.
What the Council does
Dialogue between GAC alumni and friends
Seminars, lectures, forums and informal meetings: the Council Forum in Berlin, Council on the Hill in Washington, the New Year’s Reception.
Supporting the next generation at Harvard
A new team of students runs the conference each year. The Council passes on what earlier teams learned.
“The contribution and the impulses achieved by the German American Conference for our bilateral relations cannot be overestimated.”
Upcoming events
Save the date
New Year’s Reception
15 January 2027, Berlin
Venue and details to follow.
German American Conference 2026
Rethinking Transatlanticism
9–11 October 2026, Harvard Kennedy School
Organised and run by students at Harvard, independently of the Council and of Harvard University.
Among the speakers
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Bonnie D. Jenkins
Former Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs
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Cerstin Gammelin
Spokeswoman for the German Federal President
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Bill Kristol
Editor-at-Large, The Bulwark; founder, The Weekly Standard
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Clara Bünger
Member of the Bundestag; spokesperson for refugee and migration policy
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William Hogan
Raymond Plank Professor of Global Energy Policy (Emeritus), Harvard Kennedy School
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Peter Beyer
Member of the Bundestag; former Federal Government Coordinator for Transatlantic Cooperation
With the support of
Join the Council
Members are invited to the Council’s events and vote on how it is run.