Warwick Economics Summit announces speakers for landmark 25th event

The University of Warwick is set to host the 25^th edition of the Warwick Economics Summit, one of the largest student-led conferences in Europe. Taking place from the 6-8 February 2026, the summit will feature keynote speakers and panels with a focus on global economic fragmentation and rising protectionism.

Key speakers include:

• Professor Philippe Aghion, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences 2025
• The Hon Philip Edward Davis KC, Prime Minister of the Bahamas (virtual)
• His Excellency Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• Anna Manz, Chief Financial Officer, Nestlé Group
• Dr V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India (Virtual)
• Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director, UN-Habitat
• Dr Nathan Sheets, Global Chief Economist, Citigroup
• Jon Slade, Chief Executive Officer, Financial Times Group
• Erna Solberg, former Prime Minister of Norway (Virtual)

Panels will address topical global economic issues including Central Banks Across Borders featuring current central bank governors; a debate on Does Protectionism Help or Hurt Domestic Industry; environmental challenges on Is Our Planet for Sale; and The Motivation Equation: What Really Drives Productivity?

Adam Tan, Co-President, Warwick Economics Summit 2026, said: "WES provides a platform for the world's most influential leaders, successful CEOs, and brightest academics to inform and inspire the next generation. This year, we've worked hard to diversify our speaker lineup, while expanding the programme to reflect the most pressing questions in global affairs. I'm personally looking forward to the debate panel on protectionism, but I'm sure there will be something for everybody.

"It's been an incredibly rewarding experience working with such a committed team to put together the 25^th edition of the Warwick Economics Summit. Together, the committee has achieved a lot this year - from developing new digital platforms to increase accessibility for our delegates, to hosting a record number of international delegations - and we could not be prouder to work with such a talented group of people."

The Warwick Economics Summit aims to engage the next generation in discussions about the economic and political challenges facing the world.

The panel line-up for the Warwick Economics Summit 2026 is detailed below:

The Motivation Equation: What Really Drives Productivity?

• Wendy Corns, Global Leader, Skills to Jobs, Amazon Web Services
• Anna Thomas, Co-Founder, The Institute for the Future of Work
• Esther Lynch, General Secretary, European Trade Union Confederation
• Emily Sheffield, Journalist and former Editor, Evening Standard

Speakers in Conversation: Central Banks Across Borders

• Ulrik Nødgaard, Governor, Danmarks Nationalbank
• Jasmina Selimović, Governor, Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Lesetja Kganyago, Governor, South African Reserve Bank
• Elettra Ardissino, Reporter, Monetary Policy Radar

Does Protectionism Help or Hurt Domestic Industry?

• Vicky Pryce, Chief Economic Adviser, Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR)
• Shanker Singham, Chief Executive Officer, Competere; Chairman, The Growth Commission
• Taimur Baig, Managing Director and Chief Economist, DBS Bank
• Peter Brennan, Director, Trade & Economic Policy, UK Steel
• Anila Dhami, Presenter, Sky News

Is Our Planet For Sale?

• Helen Mentink, Associate Director, Ricardo
• Valerie Hickey, Global Director of Climate Change, World Bank
• Dean Cooper, Global Energy Lead, WWF
• John Simmons, Senior Research Lead, London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG)
• Fiona Harvey, Environment Editor, The Guardian

29 January 2026