2024 Annual Meeting
On November 17–18, 2024, the Harvard Global Advisory Council gathered on campus for its 12th annual meeting. Below are a few highlights from the two-day program. To learn more about Harvard’s work on any of the topics discussed, please reach out to Susan Lyons.
Sunday, November 17
The meeting began with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies at the Harvard Art Museums, led by Narayan Khandekar. Members were treated to an up-close look at the world-renowned Forbes Pigment Collection and examined several recently restored artworks, discussing cutting-edge conservation practices.
Members enjoyed a welcome reception at Houghton Library, home to Harvard’s rare books and manuscripts, where they reconnected while viewing current exhibitions.
President Alan M. Garber AB ’77, PhD ’82 addressed the group, reflecting on Harvard's tradition of excellence and the transformative impact of its research and teaching. He expressed gratitude for the members’ support and their many contributions to the University’s success.
Dinner at Adolphus Busch Hall featured a discussion on democracy and democratic institutions around the world. Moderated by Chair David Rubenstein, the conversation included insights from Danielle S. Allen PhD ’01 and former U.S. Supreme Court justice Stephen Breyer LLB ’64.
The evening closed with a heartfelt performance of Ben E. King’s “Stand by Me” by Harvard College students Noah Kassis ’25, George Roggie ’26, Theo Tobel ’27, and Madison Webb ’25.
Monday, November 18
The second day kicked off with breakfast at Harvard Law School, where members engaged with students from across the University and learned about their globally focused research projects.
President Garber then led a closed executive session, inviting members to share their thoughts and provide counsel on advancing excellence across the Harvard community.
Harvard faculty delivered a series of TED-style talks showcasing the breadth and impact of the University’s research and educational initiatives. Speakers included Bernard S. Chang AB ’93, MMSc ’05, Francesca Dominici, Daniel Gilbert, and Asim I. Khwaja PhD ’01.
Topics ranged from AI’s potential to make medicine more human and the Harvard Data Science Initiative’s efforts to develop meaningful solutions to today’s greatest challenges to the illusion of moral decline and the Harvard Center for International Development’s strategy to build a better world by investing in global talent.
Provost John F. Manning AB ’82, JD ’85 sat down with Chair David Rubenstein to discuss his new role and the unique perspectives he brings as a first-generation college graduate, professor, and former dean of the Law School. Looking ahead, he emphasized the need for more collaboration across the University to tackle problems too complex for any single discipline.
An interactive session led by Karim R. Lakhani explored how AI is revolutionizing business in today’s digital economy and highlighted the work of the Digital Data Design Institute (D^3) at Harvard. Participants took part in a creative exercise to develop their own AI-powered snack companies.
Meeting Archive
Check out highlights from previous years.
