The fifth edition of the OTT Conference was filled with inspiring discussions, visionary ideas, and fruitful exchange among think tankers, scholars, funders, and policymakers from around the world. Created in partnership with the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), the event was dedicated to the overarching theme of “Think Tanks and Change” and took place online from April 20 to 22, 2021. The conference, which included 20 sessions organized by OnThinkTanks, DGAP, and partner organizations, welcomed more than 400 participants.
One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we discussed how think tanks react and adapt to disruptive change, how to ignite their power of imagination, and how to scale their impact. Moreover, we discussed how think tanks can drive social change, and what it takes to change think tanks themselves.
We want change through ideas developed collaboratively with the people who will be affected by that change.
The conference kicked off with an inspiring keynote by Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New America, who called for rethinking the 20th century label “think tank” and instead reimagine ourselves as “change hubs.” She envisions think tanks as places that are open to diverse people and actors, where ideas and actions come together.
Watch the full keynote below and all session recordings here.
