- Dr. Gerhard Schröder, former Chancellor of Germany, holding keynote speech
- First presentation of the multi-vision of the German Historical Museum showing the history of the building
As part of the event, the historical multimedia presentation "Correlations in German History. ESMT in the former State Council Building of the GDR", produced by the German Historical Museum will be shown for the first time. The multi-vision, made up of historical photographs and film sequences, gives insights into the history and present use of the building. The permanent exhibition is accessible to the public in the foyer of ESMT's campus after today's official premiere.
Alexander Koch, president of the Foundation German Historical Museum, said, "This building, like no other, references to Germany's volatile history of the past 100 years. With the multi-vision we want to contribute to the accurate interpretation of the historical significance of the building."
Inaugurated in 1964 on the 15th anniversary of the GDR, the building served the State Council until 1990. Following reunification the building was used in many different ways. After extensive restoration and modernization, ESMT opened its campus in 2006. The Berlin business school offers full-time and executive MBA programs as well as a Master's in Management and a PhD program. Currently nearly 200 students from more than 50 different countries are enrolled in degree programs at ESMT. ESMT also provides executive education in English and German. In 2013 more than 3,000 executives participated in management development programs at the school.
ESMT president Jörg Rocholl commented, "We are indebted to the many supporters who advocated the use of the building as an international business school. Above all, Germany's former Chancellor Dr. Gerhard Schröder, the Governing Mayor of Berlin Klaus Wowereit, and all of our founders and benefactors, who have actively supported us since the beginning."
