THE FUTURE OF ETHICS IN SPORTS,
BUSINESS & POLITICS –
WHEn VALUES MEET PERFORMANCE

Registration

09.00 – 10.10: Welcome, Keynote Speech & Inaugural Panel

In today’s world, where success is often defined by speed, power, and measurable results, the question of ethics and integrity has never been more urgent. We will ask: Can success truly endure if it comes at the expense of our core values? And more importantly: What does it take to lead — and win — with integrity in a high-pressure world?

Welcome Address:

• Dr. Sanjay Pradhan, President, World Forum for Ethics in Business
• Mr. Mustafa Atici, Government Council & Sports Minister of Basel, Switzerland
• H.E. Mr. Mridul Kumar, Ambassador of India to Switzerland

Opening Keynote Speech

• Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, The Art of Living & World Forum for Ethics in Business

 Inaugural Panel

• Mr. Dominique Blanc, President of the Swiss Football Association
• Ms. Honey Thaljieh, Public Relations Manager at FIFA; Co-founder of women’s football in Palestine, 1st Captain of the Palestinian National Team
• Mr. Filippo Veglio, Head of Social & Environmental Sustainability at UEFA
• Dr. Bernhard Heusler, Honorary President of FC Basel, Leadership-Expert and Speaker

Moderator:

• Christoph Glaser, Managing Director, WFEB & CEO, TLEX Institute

Short break and transfer to breakout rooms

Parallel Break-out Sessions

Break-out 1:

The Role of the Media in Sports

With nearly a third of media space dedicated to sports, journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and promoting ethical values. How can the media balance storytelling with truth, fairness, and integrity, especially in a fast-paced, polarized world? This session will explore the media’s responsibility in promoting ethical sportsmanship, avoiding sensationalism, and using sport as a powerful tool for social unity.

• Ms. Archie Kalyana, Diversity Producer/ Director| Cricket, BBC Sports

• Mr. Jan Roelfs, International Sports Commentator, NOS Sport, Netherlands

• Mr. Mike Degner, Vice-Chair, Foundation of 1. FC Union Berlin e.V.

Moderator: Mr. Jo Leinen, Former Member of European Parliament, Board Member, World Forum for Ethics in Business

Break-out 2:

High-Performing (Corporate) Athletes: What It Takes to Be the Best Version of Ourselves

What does it take to achieve sustained excellence – not just in sports, but in life and leadership? This session brings together elite athletes and corporate leaders to explore the mindset, discipline, and values that drive peak performance with integrity. With inspiring personal stories and practical insights, this session will offer tools to align success with values – both on and off the field.

• Mr. Kevin Young, Olympic Gold Medalist and World Record holder in 400 m hurdles for 29 years

• Dr. Peter Van de Vliet, CEO, iNADO

• Ms. Jeannine Gmelin, OLY, Former World Champion & Olympic Rower, Athlete Representative, Executive Council of Swiss Olympic

• Mr. Subhanu Saxena, Managing Partner, New Rhein Healthcare Private Equity, President, New Rhein Foundation, Former Global CEO of      Cipla

• Ms. Carina Asuncion, Head of TLEX Sports, Senior Consultant and Trainer

Moderator: Dr. Bernd Peper, Head of Public Sector, Sopra Steria Next

Break

Mind Matters – A Moment to Pause and Reset

In the fast-paced world of sports, business, and leadership, mental clarity is just as important as physical strength. In this short session you will experience a powerful relaxation technique to help calm the mind and enhance focus — offering a moment to reset, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.

Plenary Discussion (in German with English translation)

Sport is more than a game. At its best, it is a school of life: teaching discipline, courage, teamwork, fairness, and joy. It shows us how to win with humility, lose with dignity, and strive for excellence without losing integrity. In this panel, we will ask: What can we, as leaders and as a society, learn from the timeless values of sport — and how can we preserve its beauty in an era of commercial pressures?

• Mr. Roland Angst, President, United Leaders Association Germany

• Mr. Alex Frei, Former Professional Footballer, Swiss National Team, Switzerland

• Ms. Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, Former Head Coach of the German Women’s National Football Team; 4 x UEFA Women’s European              Champion

• Mr. Philipp Kaufmann, Former Soccer Manager, VfL Osnabrück and FC Basel

• Moderator: Dr. Bernhard Heusler, Honorary President of FC Basel, Leadership-Expert and Speaker

Mr. Christoph Glaser, Managing Director, World Forum for Ethics in Business

Lunch

Move Your body

In this short activation session, renowned pain specialist Roland Liebscher-Bracht will guide participants through targeted movements designed to release tension, improve mobility, and counteract the effects of prolonged sitting. Drawing from his experience treating top athletes, he will share practical techniques to stay pain-free and energized throughout the day.

• Mr. Roland Liebscher-Bracht, Founder, The Liebscher & Bracht Pain Management

Break

Plenary Panel: Leadership, Innovation & Responsibility – Shaping the Future of Sports

This panel brings together influential leaders from across the sports world to explore how innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand in shaping the future of athletics. As sports continue to evolve amidst ethical, technological, and societal shifts, the discussion will reflect on how success can be redefined through purpose-driven leadership, long-term vision, and a commitment to values both on and off the field.

• Mr. Bernhard Burgener, President, Highlight Communications AG

• Mr. Inge Andersen, Senior Business Consultant and Sports Coach; Former Secretary General of the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Norway

• Ms. Louise Mohn, CEO, Nextgen Neighbor Network, CEO, Meteva Sport & Helse

• Mr. Christoph Seiler, President, Swiss Athletics

• Mr. Bruno Diethelm, Former Swiss National Mountain Bike Coach

• Moderator: Mr. Alexander Koch, Former Deputy Head of Communication at FIFA, Keynote Speaker & Lecturer on Sports Ethics, Switzerland

Closing

A reflection on the day’s key takeaways and a renewed commitment to leading with integrity in sports and beyond.

• Mr. Inge Andersen, Senior Business Consultant and Sports Coach; Former Secretary General of the Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Norway; Advisory Committee Member, World Forum for Ethics in Business

Aperó