Challenge 1. Track II. Panel: Challenging the G2 Narrative

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:10 - 12:30 CEST HILTON GRAND PLACE BRUSSELS

Speakers: Bharat Vagadia, Max J Zenglein, Patricia Bader-Johnston
Moderator: Antonio Calcara

The main objective of this session is to explore whether there are alternatives to the perceived inevitable scenario, which depicts the outcome of the current geopolitical tension as a world dominated by two blocks lead by the USA and China, where other countries or regional bodies will have no other choice but to align with either one of these two blocks.

The key themes that will be addressed in this panel are:

a) China: a force of stabilization or destabilization?

b) Emerging markets vs. Emerging power brokers (India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia)

c) Are mature economies doomed? (Japan/ EU)

d) Does investing in Africa make sense?

Lecturers

Bharat Vagadia Speaker

Executive Director, Regulatory Affairs
Ooredoo Group

Max J Zenglein Speaker

ESF Center Leader Asia
The Conference Board

Patricia Bader-Johnston Speaker

CEO
Earthberries Capital Ltd.

Antonio Calcara Moderator

Head, Geopolitics & Technology Programme
Center for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

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