Commission
A Changing World – Germany and the Global South
Chair Kramp-Karrenbauer: "We need a change of perspective in German politics."
Commission: A Changing World – Germany and the Global South
May 21, 2025
The countries of the Global South are disproportionately affected by current crises such as climate change, migration, and geopolitical tensions. At the same time, they are increasingly important because of their demographics, natural resources and role in new technologies. While the Western way of life remains attractive, these countries are becoming selective about the issues on which they align themselves with the West. A new international order is emerging and has yet to be defined. As the world’s third largest economy, an exporting nation and a major donor of development funds, Germany must find constructive solutions.
The Expert Commission initiated and coordinated by Global Perspectives Initiative developed action recommendations for Germany’s partnership with the Global South. The Commission, chaired by the former Federal Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, presented their first impulses in time for the 2025 federal elections. The Commission has now handed over its final report to the German government.

From left: Walter Lindner, Maria-Yassin Jah, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Janina Kugel & Michael Krake
Presentation to the Federal Press Conference

Commission Members
Topic
As renowned personalities in their respective fields, the commission members bring different areas of expertise to the work of the commission. In their inaugural meeting, they agreed on six key topics: Geopolitics, Development Policy, Economy and Trade, Labor Migration, International Finance, and Climate Policy and Financing.
Structure
The Commission met every two months to develop recommendations for action and impulses for the realignment of Germany’s relations with the Global South. The first meeting took place in June 2024.
Methodology
A central component of the commission’s work is the integration of perspectives and voices from countries of the Global South. To this end, extensive discussions were held with international experts on the respective topic areas prior to the individual meetings.
Objective
The final report presented in spring 2025 provides recommendations for shaping Germany’s relations with countries in the Global South and serves as a guide for political decision-makers and the new German government on the future international engagement of Germany in a multipolar world.
The Commission presented its interim report “Recommendations for the Realignment of Germany’s Relations with the Countries of the Global South”. The report examines key challenges such as climate finance, and global competition for innovation and raw materials. The recommendations are based on extensive research and interviews with more than 45 international experts.









To coincide with the launch of the Commission, Global Perspectives published the White Paper “Germany and the New South: Voices, Insights, Expectations”. Based on interviews, it presents the perspectives of experts from the Global South on Germany and their demands for future cooperation. “This publication underlines the urgency of our work. We need to think beyond budgets and responsibilities and engage in a deeper discourse about how to reshape our relationship with the Global South,” says Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.
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Contact Persons
Gregor Darmer, g.darmer@globalperspectives.org
Sarah van Bentum, s.vanbentum@globalperspectives.org
Commission
The final report presented in spring 2025 provides recommendations for shaping Germany’s relations with countries in the Global South. It serves as a guide for political decision-makers and the new German government on the future international engagement of Germany in a multipolar world.
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