Manuel Muñiz and Minouche Shafik in conversation with Anne McElvoy

As the world faces growing polarisation, democratic fragility and technological disruption, how can we rethink the institutions that bind our societies together? What kind of new social contract is needed for this era of uncertainty — and what role should universities play in shaping it? Baroness Minouche Shafik, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Victoria and Albert Museum and member of the UK House of Lords, has held leadership roles at some of the world’s most influential institutions, including as President of the London School of Economics, Deputy Governor of the Bank of England, and Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. In her influential book What We Owe Each Other: A New Social Contract, she makes a compelling case for redefining the balance of responsibilities between individuals, governments, and institutions, with dignity and opportunity at the core.

She will be joined by Manuel Muñiz, Provost of IE University and Chair of the Board of Trustees of IE New York College. A global affairs expert and former Secretary of State for Global Spain, he offers a forward-looking vision of the role universities can play in strengthening democracy, civic trust, and global cooperation.

Moderated by Anne McElvoy, Executive Editor at POLITICO in Europe and host of Politics at Sam and Anne's podcast, this timely conversation will explore how higher education can help rebuild social cohesion and foster a renewed civic ethic in a time of global change.

Event in English with simultaneous interpretation into Spanish