The 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference wrapped up an inspiring multi-day program in Los Angeles that brought together the world’s leading minds across finance, health, policy, philanthropy, tech, and culture. The event delivered breakthrough conversations, strategic networking, and unforgettable moments, all centered around this year’s theme: “Building a More Resilient World.”
The conference opened with powerful sessions that sparked immediate conversation and media buzz.
Dr. Jill Biden, former First Lady, took the stage to speak about the urgent need to prioritize women’s health research, stating:
“What is more important than health? If you don’t have your health, you have nothing.”
Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, Deputy Group CEO of Mubadala, commented on the global economic landscape and the pivotal role of technology:
“AI is very simply going to be the biggest productivity booster that the world’s economies have ever seen.”
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California’s First Partner, debuted a Tech/Life Balance Guide during a conversation with Jonathan Haidt, highlighting the rising importance of digital wellness.
Meanwhile, Apollo Global CEO Marc Rowan and Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser painted a cautious economic outlook, pointing to ongoing global uncertainty around tariffs and trade.
Purpose, Policy & Personal Legacy
NBA legend and business mogul Earvin “Magic” Johnson reminded attendees:
“We’ll be remembered also by giving back and how many people we touched, too… Don’t forget that part.”
Arianna Huffington, CEO of Thrive Global, addressed the ethical future of AI:
“A lot of social media algorithms were built on appealing to the worst in people. What if we used AI to appeal to what’s best in people instead?”
Sian Beilock, President of Dartmouth, shared her philosophy on shaping future leadership:
“We want our leaders to be brave. I don’t want to create safe spaces—I want to create brave spaces.”
HOT OFF THE PRESS
The media responded with sharp coverage of key takeaways:
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Yahoo Finance interviewed Dana Settle, CEO of Greycroft, about the firm’s tech-forward investment strategy.
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Henry Kravis and George Roberts of KKR spoke about the growing importance of soft skills in private equity.
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Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, made headlines with his perspective on how AI will redefine the job market.
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The Times highlighted contrasting views between U.S. and foreign investors on the global investment climate.
Key Topics Across the Week Included:
📈 Financial Markets
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Credit outlooks in shifting global markets
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Retirement planning in an uncertain economy
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Risk mitigation in a post-pandemic financial world
🧬 Health & Wellness
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Investment in women’s health and longevity
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Merging ancient wisdom with modern science
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Building businesses around purpose and wellness
🌍 Society & Leadership
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Parenting, productivity, and the future of work
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Brave leadership in education
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Creating impact through celebrity and platform
Attendees also enjoyed rejuvenation sessions in the Wellness Garden, offering moments of reflection between high-intensity panels.
Final Thoughts: Legacy in Action
The 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference once again proved why it remains one of the world’s most important convenings of thought leaders and change-makers. Attendees didn’t just listen—they engaged, questioned, collaborated, and left with real strategies to implement in their industries and communities.
From economic forecasts to personal transformation, #MIGlobal 2025 reminded us that resilience isn’t a buzzword—it’s a necessity. And when bold ideas meet bold action, the future doesn’t just look better—it becomes possible.
