In a poignant and powerful address at the 53rd HSG symposium in St. Gallen, Yulia Navalnaya paid tribute to her late husband, Alexei Navalny, who passed away two and a half months ago. She spoke with a gentle yet determined demeanor, quickly dismissing the journalist’s question about what Alexei would do, emphasizing that she must make her own decisions now without constantly wondering about his actions.
As the widow of a prominent figure who has instantly become a symbol of his legacy following his untimely death, Yulia Navalnaya stands out amidst a crowd of high-profile individuals like Wladimir Klitschko, Carsten Spohr, and Federal Councilor Karin Keller-Sutter. Despite the seriousness of her life circumstances, she makes a strong impression in St. Gallen with her simplicity in a blue suit, minimal jewelry, and understated makeup. Her presence seems somewhat out of place yet strikingly meaningful as she has assumed a new role of prominence after supporting her husband for two decades.
Yulia Navalnaya displayed remarkable composure when news of Alexei’s death reached her at the Munich Security Conference. Since then, she has gradually stepped into the role he held, advocating for change in Russia and challenging the existing political regime with immense pressure and expectations. However, she remains resolute in her dedication to the cause, emphasizing the importance of resisting Putin’s regime and empowering younger generations to join the fight.
Recognized as one of the hundred most influential people in the world by Time Magazine, Yulia Navalnaya inspires others with her strength and selflessness in the face of adversity. Her appearance in St. Gallen reflects her unwavering commitment to the cause with a blend of humor, sincerity, and determination. Yulia’s refusal to dwell on her fears or doubts underscores her clarity of purpose and unwavering resolve to continue the fight her husband started.
The symposium organized by HSG students aims to facilitate cross-generational dialogue in various fields attracting CEOs
