In an exclusive interview for Allianz, neurologist, psychiatrist and neuroscientist Prof. Dr. Volker Busch shows how we can engage with each other again despite differing points of view, why we should not avoid all risks and what we can learn from the comic character Snoopy.
The Power of Unity
Navigating polarization
Empowering unity is more important now than ever. Engage with experts and thought leaders to deepen your understanding of polarization and discover how unity can help us overcome the challenges we face around the world today.
Best from thought leaders

Optimism is active: What can we do ourselves, directly and concretely?
Prof. Dr. Volker Busch, a renowned physician, scientist, and author, advocates personal action and community engagement to restore trust, build resilience, and foster positive change in an environment of uncertainty.

It’s time to unite against polarization
Adrian Blattner, a researcher at Stanford University, explores the landscape of political polarization in Germany, the U.S., and Brazil. His insights highlight the growing impact of affective polarization on our societies and underscore the importance of fostering dialogue and understanding to bridge divides.

Together, we go further
Patricia Pelayo, Senior Economist at Allianz, delves into the complex dynamics of global polarization, emphasizing the power of unity and collaboration to address shared challenges like economic pressures and climate change.

A Cause Close to My Heart
Sirma Boshnakova, Member of the Board of Management of Allianz SE, Insurance Western & Southern Europe, Allianz Direct and Allianz Partners, shares her personal message about the Power of Unity.

Polarisation can be reversed
Ulrike Zeiler, our Chief Human Resources Officer of Allianz Versicherungs-AG and Managing Director of Allianz ONE Business Solutions GmbH, emphasizes the importance of listening, talking, and seeking solutions to bridge differences and restore trust.

History of Allianz – Moments of decision, Moments that matter
Written by Gerd Modert, Corporate Historian at Allianz SE, the piece reflects on Allianz's journey and its commitment to learning from the past, exploring moments in the company’s history. It illustrates how businesses influence unity through their decisions and values.

The pursuit of peace in a polarized world
Dawn Chow, Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne, proposes different paths to embrace discomfort, leading to healthier conversations. She explores how we can tackle difficult conversations when emotions run high.

What we need is a surplus of hope
Sigmar Gabriel, former Vice Chancellor of Germany and President of Atlantik-Brücke discusses people’s disorientation, politics’ alienation from the citizenry, and ways out of polarization.

The unifying power of sport
Andrew Parsons, the President of International Paralympic Committee (IPC), calls for collective action to challenge perceptions of disability and promote inclusivity.

How social media polarizes us
Chris Bail, Duke University professor and Polarization Lab founder, dives deep into how to reduce false polarization and reshape social media interactions based on his 2021 book ‘’Breaking the Social Media Prism.’’

Be human.
A heartfelt dialogue with Margot Friedländer (103), a Holocaust survivor from Germany, emphasizes the essence of humanity with a powerful message: ‘’Be human.’’

A call to action for unity
FC Bayern Munich footballer and global Allianz brand ambassador Harry Kane talks about the Power of Unity and his aspirations for a more united world.
How polarization is shaping the economy
In 2024, societies are showing more signs of stability and social resilience, but the frequency and severity of civil unrest is increasing in several countries. Our proprietary Social Resilience Index (SRI) shows that an improving economic outlook, the absence of systemically disruptive events and lower inflation are contributing to a more resilient social backdrop globally.

Media releases
March 19, 2025
Consortium of top-tier insurers and asset managers to acquire leading European life insurance consolidator Viridium
A consortium including Allianz, BlackRock and T&D Holdings will acquire ownership of Viridium Group (Viridium), a leading European life insurance consolidation platform, from Cinven. Generali Financial Holdings and Hannover Re remain investors. The consortium is structured to also enable the addition of other long-term financial investors.
March 17, 2025
Allianz to sell its 26% stake in its Indian Non-Life and Life Insurance Joint Ventures joint ventures to Bajaj Group
Today, Allianz SE entered into binding share purchase agreements with Bajaj Finserv Ltd. to sell its 26% stake in its successful non-life and life insurance joint ventures – Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company – to the Bajaj Group for a total consideration of EUR ~2.6bn. Allianz may receive the proceeds in several tranches.
March 17, 2025
Allianz drives value creation through continued execution and progress of climate strategy
In Fiscal Year 2024, Allianz executed its sustainability agenda to drive business growth as well as its own resilience and that of its stakeholders. This progress is documented in the company’s audited and for the first time fully CSRD-compliant Annual Report, which sets a benchmark for the insurance industry in its transparency, comparability, and accountability in tracking sustainability targets and progress against its goals.
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