On 26 September 2024, the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance (FDEF) at the University of Luxembourg hosted a highly anticipated visit by Luxembourgish government ministers, who met with students studying finance and related fields at the Kirchberg campus.
The event began with the arrival of Minister Gilles Roth, Luxembourg’s Minister of Finance, and Minister Stéphanie Obertin, Minister for Research and Higher Education. They were warmly welcomed by Yves Elsen, Chairman of the Board of Governors, and Jens Kreisel, Rector of the University of Luxembourg. Both expressed their appreciation to the ministers for taking the time to engage with the students.
Rector Kreisel officially opened the event with a brief welcome address, emphasising the critical role finance and economics play in providing structure to society and expressing gratitude to the ministers for their presence. He also discussed the importance of planning for the future and how investing in talent and people is crucial to the country’s development.
Jens Kreisel, Rector of the University of Luxembourg
Minister Roth followed with a speech highlighting the important role the University of Luxembourg plays in the country’s talent pool. He praised the University’s achievements, including its ranking as 25th worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings last year. Minister Roth acknowledged the complex challenges, or “polycrises,” faced by the world today, but encouraged students to seize the “polyopportunities” these crises also present. He further stressed the importance of the financial sector to Luxembourg’s GDP and the growing relevance of sustainable finance, referencing the Chair and Research Programme in Sustainable Finance hosted at the FDEF. Minister Roth underscored that one of Luxembourg’s top priorities is to attract and retain a highly-skilled, innovative workforce, a goal in which the University and FDEF are key partners.
Minister Roth, Luxembourg’s Minister of Finance, addresses the students
Next, Minister Obertin addressed the audience, highlighting how the Faculty benefits from its proximity to European institutions and the country’s dynamic business community. She emphasised the importance of partnerships with both institutional and private sectors and mentioned how the integration of the Luxembourg Centre for European Law (LCEL) into the University last year, along with projects like sustainable finance, is elevating the institution. She also expressed her gratitude to everyone for their commitment and partnership.
Minister Obertin, Luxembourg’s Minister for Research and Higher Education, addresses the students
The speeches were followed by an engaging Q&A session, moderated by FDEF Dean Professor Katalin Ligeti. Students posed a variety of questions to Minister Roth, covering topics such as careers in finance, cybersecurity, tax reforms, economic diversification, and gender equality in the finance sector. Minister Roth provided thoughtful and detailed responses, sharing insights on recent initiatives, including tax relief on bonuses for individuals under 30, the Luxembourg Women in Finance Charter, and collaborations with the University and the FDEF to create study programmes and research chairs to meet societal and industry demands. He encouraged ongoing dialogue between students, University stakeholders, and key players in the business and finance sectors, including organisations like ALFI, ABBL and Luxembourg for Finance.
The FDEF, along with the University of Luxembourg and its students, expressed their gratitude to Ministers Roth and Obertin for their visit and for facilitating such a meaningful and insightful discussion.