A Conference of Ideas in Talloires
Over a warm three-day weekend in June, members of the Fletcher family gathered for the annual Talloires Symposium on the shores of Lake Annecy, France.
More than 60 alumni, experts and guests participated in the symposium, the highest attendance in recent years. Attendees traveled from countries around the world, including from as far away as Hong Kong, to discuss public issues, meet with old friends and immerse themselves in a spectacular lakeside setting.
The annual symposium is held at the Tufts European Center in Talloires, France. The center’s building was originally constructed in the 11th century as a Benedictine priory. For over 40 years, it has hosted lectures, concerts and academic programs on behalf of Tufts.
If most striking for its picturesque views, the Lake Annecy area also boasts a rich history of conferences on public issues. Talloires itself was the birthplace of the Talloires Declaration for environmental sustainability in higher education, spearheaded by Tufts and signed by over 500 universities. The nearby city of Annecy played host to the second round of negotiations for the landmark General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, which evolved into the World Trade Organization.
Fletcher honors this tradition by addressing some of the world’s most pressing and complex issues at the annual symposium. This year’s summit, titled The Impact of the United States on Global Affairs, tackled the changing role of Washington in the global system.
Research Professor Jenny Aker F97 moderated a June 14 panel on international development in an age of nationalism, featuring development experts Björn Gillsäter F95, Cillian Nolan, Reka Sztopa and Anne Thibault. This and other presentations followed Chatham House Rules.
That afternoon, Fletcher Dean Kelly Sims Gallagher and Academic Dean Daniel Drezner each presented to the assembled audience. Dean Gallagher delivered an address on the state of the school, while Drezner spoke about the “madman theory” in foreign policy, continuing from his writing on the subject.
Guests were then treated to a special performance by Pauline Yang F15 a classical pianist and arts envoy for the U.S. Department of State. Senior Director of Development and Alumni Engagement Skip Nordhoff described Yang’s performance as inspiring and a true highlight of the multiday symposium.
On June 15, guests attended the final panel, which focused on transatlantic relations. Moderated by Professor Chris Miller, the panel featured two ideal candidates to address the topic: U.S. Ambassador Robert Hormats A65 F66 F67 FG70 H00 who served five presidents in senior offices, and German Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger F73 who chaired the Munich Security Conference for 14 years.
The program also made time for guests to enjoy informal conversations and take advantage of the warm summer weather with a swim in Lake Annecy. Lunches and dinners throughout the week highlighted the wines and cheeses of the Savoy region.
Fletcher family members will return to Talloires on June 5-7, 2026, when the symposium will celebrate its 25th edition.