‘World-renowned speakers to discuss economics and social science’. There was no hesitation – I had to get involved!

I’m alumnus Marius and it’s my pleasure to tell you about my biggest project since graduating from AES in 2020.

After completing the International Baccalaureate back in Summer, it was time to choose a university. I opted for the University of Warwick in the UK to pursue my two passions, Economics and International Relations.

Warwick has a wide range of student societies. However, it was the Warwick Economics Summit’s web pages that caught my attention. ‘Europe’s largest student-run academic conference’. ‘World-renowned speakers to discuss economics and social science’. There was no hesitation – I had to get involved!

In Autumn, I became a member of the External Relations Team. We recruit Ambassadors from external universities to form student delegations that attend our Summit free of charge. We aim for the widest international reach possible. My former AES classmates were already spread across the globe’s universities. I had to get them involved! Four enthusiastic AES alumni studying in Singapore, New York, North Carolina and the Netherlands formed delegations to attend the Summit. 

I was then selected to be the event’s Master of Ceremony. So, for the 20th edition of the Warwick Economics (Virtual) Summit, I would act as a host. It was my privilege to exchange with speakers as esteemed as John Ridding (CEO of Financial Times), Prof Muhammad Yunus (Nobel Peace Prize laureate), Prof Oliver Hart (Nobel Prize in Economics) and Prof Andrew Oswald (highly cited researcher) for a fantastic audience. An absolutely thrilling experience.

Excerpt from Q&A with Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize laureate

We also hosted Ursula von der Leyen (President of European Commission), Angel Gurría (Secretary-General of OECD), Dr Antoinette Sayeh (Deputy Managing Director of IMF), Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab (Deputy Director-General of WHO) and multiple other leading figures.

Closing address with co-organisers Kako, Amrita and Isabella

A key learning experience is that while this pandemic prevented us from holding this Summit in-person, it opened our eyes to the perks of modern virtual tools. Thanks to this technology but most importantly the drive of 60 passionate Warwick students, we organised an outstanding Summit and connected the present’s world leaders with the leaders of the future.

Additional Links and information:

Youtube Videos from the Summit

Warwick Economics Summit Website

To get involved or ask any questions: marius.bilton.guerin@gmail.com