HEC Paris MBA Student Takes Center Stage at the Berlin Global Dialogue

When Yanis Bourgeois traded his post within one of the world’s most influential international institutions to pursue his MBA at HEC Paris, he was ready to broaden his expertise beyond the global policy sphere. After serving as an economic affairs officer at the World Trade Organization in Geneva, he returned to France in 2024 to immerse himself more fully in the business sector.

“I felt I needed more exposure to the business sector as part of my career growth,” he said. “The MBA at HEC Paris seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to develop that.”

Whether through high-level events like the Berlin Global Dialogue, hands-on leadership courses, or access to top-tier corporate recruiters, the HEC Paris MBA continues to empower students to shape the future of global business and policy.

Yanis was selected to design and moderate the Young Voices panel at the 3rd Annual Berlin Global Dialogue summit held last October at the European School of Management and Technology. The 2025 theme, “Shifting Power, Shaping Prosperity,” set the stage for conversations on geopolitics, climate change, technology, and inequality. The summit brings together top government officials and C-level executives, giving participants an unparalleled view into how global decisions are made.

BGD allowed him to reconnect with his initial passion for diplomacy, international negotiations, and the energy of large-scale global gatherings. “When the opportunity appeared in my inbox, it was immediately clear that I wanted to contribute. I come from that world and want to make an impact on that environment. I decided to give it a real shot, and I was incredibly grateful to be selected to participate.”

In the months leading up to the event, he also collaborated with fellow Young Leaders through online workshops to shape the format, questions and complete organization of the various sessions from A to Z. As moderator of the panel “Shaping a Multipolar Future: A Conversation with BGD Young Voices,” which included high-level guests such as the Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel, Yanis drew upon his WTO background to lead a discussion on what effective leadership should look like in today’s multipolar world.

Chatham House Rules were enforced during the summit, which helped create a space for frank, honest discussion, Yanis explained. There was no livestreaming, no recording, and no comments attributed without consent, which guarantees a safe space for everyone participating. It ensured panelists to speak openly, “because no one benefits from polished remarks,” he said. “We also had a deep exchange—especially with the Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg—about staying true to our values. His message to our generation was clear: engage, engage, engage.”

Introducing the First Young Voices Declaration

One of Yanis’ most innovative contributions was his proposal to create a Young Voices Declaration—a first in the summit’s history. Over several drafting sessions, the 30 participants collaborated to articulate their values and priorities, resulting in a two-page document, A Call for Responsible Leadership in a Multipolar World: A Young Voices’ Declaration. It highlights four key global challenges:

• Geopolitical Shifts
• Climate Change
• Technological Advances
• Global Inequality

It also calls on global leaders to think beyond short-term electoral or corporate cycles and adopt a long-term, responsible approach to decision-making.

“BGD aims to strengthen intergenerational dialogue,” Yanis said. “This declaration demonstrates that young leaders are serious, thoughtful, and ready to take responsibility.”

For Yanis, moderating the panel was more than a speaking opportunity—it was a moment to combine his academic development, professional experience, and personal values. “This opportunity allowed me to stay true to myself while also moving forward in my career.”

After completing a summer internship at Eli Lilly, Yanis secured a full-time role as a Finance Manager in the company’s Paris office—an outcome that underscores the strong career support and corporate connections the HEC Paris MBA provides.

With experiences like the Berlin Global Dialogue woven into his MBA journey, Yanis has been able to accelerate his transition into the private sector while continuing to shape conversations that matter on the global stage. His path reflects what so many candidates seek at HEC Paris: a place where professional ambition, international exposure, and personal values intersect. For Yanis, the MBA was not only a strategic next step—it was the launchpad that enabled him to redefine his impact as a future leader in a rapidly changing world.