A dialogue between generations to build the future

On October 11, 2025, Ponts Alumni organized its back-to-school seminar at the Maison des Ponts, on the theme of"Transgenerational transmission: a bridge between past, present and future ".

Some thirty participants from a wide range of backgrounds (members of the association, representatives of ENPC, Fondation des Ponts, PFC and École des Ponts Business School) came together for a half-day of discussion and reflection.

After an introduction by Boris Rowenczyn (CIV2003), President of Ponts Alumni, the seminar was structured around two key points:

1. The digital fresco: deciphering the digital and ecological transitions. This workshop identified concrete ways of reducing the programmed obsolescence of digital equipment and promoting the circular economy in product management. The eco-design of digital services and equipment, as well as the questioning of new uses, were particularly popular as concrete actions to be implemented. The rich and committed exchanges underlined the importance of a responsible approach to technological and environmental challenges. This exercise in collective intelligence around a key issue such as digital technology was a highly enriching experience for participants.
   
   
2. Transgenerational workshop: rethinking the association's offering in the digital age Herminie Metzger (CIV2013), General Secretary, presented the results of a survey conducted between September 19 and October 3, 2025 among the younger classes (2022, 2023, 2024, as well as members of the BDE, BDA, BDS and Forum Trium). With 35 respondents, the survey revealed their priority expectations:
• A useful professional network for their careers.
• Friendly inter-promotional events and mentoring.
• Sports and cultural activities, as well as site visits.
• Webinars and conferences on areas of expertise.

Young people prefer LinkedIn and personal networking to create professional connections. In terms of tools, the association's directory and news are the most popular, followed by the newsletter and WhatsApp groups. The Ponts Alumni mobile application, on the other hand, remains little used.

After brainstorming in groups, participants defined priorities for strengthening the association's appeal:

1. Promote existing offers: Better communicate professional events (visits, conferences, career workshops), promotion anniversaries and success stories.
2. Improve current services: Rethink inter-promotional mentoring, career announcements, app and website ergonomics, and Maison des Ponts offers for personal events.
3. Create new propositions:
• Organize cultural events inspired by the international sponsorship program.
• Launch a classified ads platform ("Le Pont Coin").
• Offer a 100% Ponts Christmas catalog.
• Create WhatsApp groups by promotion.

The seminar ended with a hearty lunch, marking the end of a productive and inspiring morning, in which each generation was able to contribute to shaping the future of Ponts Alumni.