Josep Borrell calls for young generation to shape a better future at IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs

Josep Borrell, Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, visited IE University to share his views on the new global order at the celebration of a new chapter for IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs.

“As global change is accelerating, we can no longer separate geopolitics from geo-economics”, Borrell said, calling for an integrated thinking and policy-making. “As the European Union, we should make the difference”, he added. 

Josep Borrell shared his outlook on the current global order and commented on its most urgent challenges, including the war in Ukraine and its consequences, the tensions in different regions (Balkans, Middle East), the weaponization of inter-dependence, the United States-China power dynamics and technological struggle, the multilateralism in crisis, and the impending threat to our environment.

Addressing the IE University students, the Vice-President of the European Commission highlighted:

“You have the chance to study how the world is and how it could be. Nobody knows how it will be, because it will depend on many political decisions, and you may have the opportunity to participate in those decisions.”
Josep Borrell, EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Josep Borrell visited IE University to discuss the “New world (dis)order: politics, economics and global affairs as tool to confront today´s challenges”, an event which took place in a packed auditorium at the IE Tower, the new campus of IE University in Madrid. The thought-provoking discussion marked the inauguration of a new era for IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, which accounts 1500 students from 70 countries. 

Mr. Borrell was followed by the intervention of distinguished panellists including Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Prize laureate for her fight against anti-personnel mines, María Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the United Nations General Assembly, Susana Malcorra, former Chief of Staff of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, former foreign minister of Argentina and current IE University senior advisor, and Augusto López-Claros, Chair of the Global Governance Forum. 

This event was led by Manuel Muñiz, Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs and Provost of IE University, who pointed out that all challenges cited above are immense and open questions. “The answers are still to be provided and many of them will be provided by you,” he said, in front of an auditorium crowded with students from 140 countries. 

“At this institution we seek to train the next generation of leaders willing to dedicate their lives to addressing all of these challenges and many more to make the world a better place for all.”
Manuel Muñiz, Dean of IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs and Provost of IE University

He also highlighted the power of the Academia to change the world. “We can train climate leaders, or people that will gear our corporate sector in the right direction. We can fight for open and diverse societies and govern technology in a way that fosters democracy.” 

Jody Williams stressed the challenges of the architecture of security and called for less spending on weapons and national security, and more on citizens: “We need to focus on what makes a dignified life, that´s security.” “There is a million ways to be an activist. Take what makes you the most irritated or passionate about, find an organization, volunteer, and make a difference for the greater good of society, go out and make a difference”, Williams added.

Susana Malcorra mentioned the resignation of New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, who will leave her mandate in February, and pointed out that half of the world is underrepresented in political institutions. In this sense, she urged to make sure that the society is properly represented and to see problems and challenges through a different lens.