The final day of the 2025 Milken Institute Global Conference brought together leading voices from business, entertainment, government, and wellness to explore the intersection of innovation, policy, and human impact.
Over the course of four days, the event featured countless conversations shaping the future of economics, politics, technology, science, media, and culture. This year’s gathering included appearances from First Lady Jill Biden, Citadel founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin, Ukrainian statesman Wladimir Klitschko, Olympic legend Karch Kiraly, and leading executives such as Jensen Huang (NVIDIA) and Evan Spiegel (Snap Inc.). Cultural figures like Jessica Alba, Patrick Dempsey, Jason Sudeikis, Big Sean, Babyface, and Nile Rodgers added a unique dimension to the programming, bridging industries and audiences.
The last official session featured Kenneth C. Griffin, whose perspective on global markets, geopolitical stability, and the role of alternative investments in shaping economic resilience provided a high-level conclusion to the financial panels. Griffin emphasized the importance of long-term strategy in a volatile geopolitical climate, addressing both macroeconomic risks and emerging opportunities for capital deployment.
One of the central conversations on the final day focused on the rapid transformation of the entertainment industry. Titled the session Storytelling, Strategy and Innovation: shaping the Future of Filmed Entertainment –
brought together key decision-makers across film, television, and streaming. The panel featured Ravi Ahuja, President and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment; Casey Bloys, Chairman and CEO of HBO and Max Content; Debora Cahn, creator and showrunner of Netflix’s The Diplomat; Mike Hopkins, Senior Vice President of Prime Video and Amazon Studios; and Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Television Studios at NBC Entertainment and Peacock Scripted. Moderated by Julia Boorstin of CNBC, the discussion addressed the evolving content strategies, audience fragmentation, and the increasing role of immersive and interactive formats.
While the global streaming market is projected to exceed $100 billion by 2025, the panelists acknowledged that growth is slowing, requiring companies to diversify revenue models and content platforms. Ravi Ahuja highlighted Sony Pictures’ expansion into experiences and international content, noting their strategic acquisitions and cross-platform franchises like Spider-Man and The Boys, some of which have close production ties to Hungary. Casey Bloys reflected on the sustained success of HBO titles such as Succession, The Last of Us, and Euphoria, and the impact of uniting Max Originals under a single strategy. Debora Cahn discussed the challenges and rewards of building an international political thriller, while Mike Hopkins pointed to Amazon’s investments in premium global IP. Pearlena Igbokwe emphasized the significance of supporting diverse creative voices and delivering a mix of scripted, unscripted, and live programming across platforms.
The conversation also addressed major concerns affecting the future of the industry, including the role of artificial intelligence in Hollywood and newly announced tariffs by former President Donald Trump on productions conducted outside of the United States. The panelists reacted cautiously, citing potential disruptions in global production ecosystems and the need for clear policies around the ethical use of AI.
Simultaneously, a high-level geopolitical discussion unfolded in another conference room, examining Russia’s evolving global position 35 years after the Cold War. This panel served as a thematic continuation of Monday’s Ukraine-focused discussions. Experts and policymakers debated Russia’s postwar economy, its energy dominance, and its complicated ties with Europe, OPEC, and Asia. Speakers reflected on the far-reaching consequences of the war in Ukraine and how Russia’s internal shifts are influencing global diplomacy and defense strategies.
Before lunch, the focus shifted to emotional wellness and mindfulness in a panel hosted in the Wilshire Pavilion. This more personal and reflective session featured Grammy-nominated artist Big Sean, author and activist Mary Fisher, grief expert David Kessler, and trauma specialist Hala Khouri. Moderated by Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh, the discussion emphasized practical strategies for healing, self-awareness, and resilience. Big Sean shared his meditation routine, and Kessler moved the audience with his personal story of loss and recovery following the death of his son. The session offered a pause from the high-level policy conversations and reminded attendees of the importance of balance and emotional well-being.
Later in the afternoon, another key panel featured Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Annaberg Foundation Executive Director Cinny Kennard, and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel. The group addressed the intersection of housing, technology, and community-building. Mayor Bass emphasized that the housing crisis cannot be solved in isolation, stressing the importance of integrating social services and economic opportunity. All panelists agreed that the human element remains essential to any sustainable urban policy solution.
The conference concluded with a celebratory concert headlined by legendary producer and musician Nile Rodgers and Chic, whose decades-long career includes collaborations with Madonna, David Bowie, Duran Duran, and many more. As is tradition, Milken Institute founder Michael Milken opened the private event and personally thanked Rodgers after his electrifying performance. The closing concert offered a moment of release and joy following four intense days of conversation and collaboration.
This year’s Milken Global Conference reaffirmed the Institute’s mission to convene leaders across sectors to drive change and foster collaboration. From AI policy to grief support, from streaming disruption to urban transformation, the 2025 gathering demonstrated the complexity—and interconnectedness—of the challenges shaping our future.
Day Two of the Milken Global Conference Highlights Wellness, AI, and the Future of Olympic Sports
Nile Rodgers Closes 2025 Milken Global Conference in Los Angeles with a Spectacular Concert
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