International cooperation in systemic competition - time for a change?

This event will present forecasts and insights into global power shifts and discuss a reorientation of development cooperation.

Since the COVID pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the escalation of violence in the Middle East global tensions have increased. The African continent is at the center of global power rivalries. The expansion of the BRICS countries and the African Union's membership in the G20 is an expression of an increasingly assertive Global South, united not least by its frustration with the current system of global governance.

Geopolitical developments in developing and emerging countries usually have a direct impact on Europe, both socio-economically and politically. They require special attention from Germany and the European Union.

A de-risking from China opens opportunities for more intensive cooperation of German industry with relevant regions of the Global South, first and foremost with the African continent. However, the German government lacks a coherent geostrategic approach. The geopolitical shifts must be reflected in development policy and international cooperation.

One day before the start of the Munich Security Conference, this joint event of the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSS) and the Federation of German Industries (BDI) will present forecasts and insights into global power shifts and discuss a reorientation of development cooperation.

The guiding questions will be:

• What should German and European foreign, development and economic policy towards emerging and developing countries look like in times of bi- and multi-polarity?

• What reforms are needed to accelerate development, especially in Africa?

• What interests do Europe and Africa share in their cooperation?

Welcome:

Markus Ferber, Member of the European Parliament, Chairman of the Hanns Seidel Foundation

Tanja Gönner, Chief Executive Officer, Federation of German Industries (BDI)

Input: Global power shifts - Africa in a changing world

Dr Jakkie Cilliers, Head of the African Futures and Innovation Programme (AFI), Chair of the ISS Board of Trustees, Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

Panel discussion: Presentation of the new BDI policy paper on development cooperation

Wolfgang Niedermark, Member of the Executive Board of the Federation of German Industries (BDI)

Dr Fonteh Akum, Executive Director, Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

Thomas Erndl, Member of the German Bundestag (MdB), Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee

Image: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay

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