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
September 10, 2024
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 is set out to develop action recommendations for Germany’s partnership with the Global South in the midst of geopolitical shifts. The Commission, chaired by the former Federal Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, will draw up the plan in time for the 2025 federal elections.
Inaugural Meeting of the Commission "A Changing World – Germany and the Global South"
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 four key topics: Economy, Migration and Skilled Labor, Climate and Environment, as well as Geopolitics and Development.
Structure
The Commission meets 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 are held with international experts on the respective topic areas prior to the individual meetings.
Objective
The final report planned for spring 2025 is intended to provide impulses for shaping Germany’s relations with countries in the Global South and to serve as a guide for political decision-makers in the federal election on the future international engagement of Germany in a multipolar world.
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.
Contact Persons
Gregor Darmer, g.darmer@globalperspectives.org
Sarah van Bentum, s.vanbentum@globalperspectives.org
Commission
The final report, due in spring 2025, is intended to provide impetus for the future of Germany's partnerships with countries in the Global South. It will serve as a guide for political decision-makers in the Bundestag elections on Germany's future international engagement in a multipolar world.
Program Archive
We explored current trends and developments in Africa's financial sector and discussed the actions needed by businesses and governments to improve the financial landscape on the continent.
The distribution of power in the international system is changing. We interviewed 10 experts from the so-called 'Global South' to get their insight into their perception of Germany's role.
Africa's creative industries are booming and changing the global cultural landscape. We discussed the growing industry with Nollywood director Funke Akindele and writer Lola Shoneyin.
Investments in women's health are threatened by budget cuts and anti-gender movements. In our webinar, we discussed innovative strategies to drive progress in our digital dialogue.
The inequalities in the global health system have a significant impact on the financial situation of women. We discussed economic growth through equal opportunities.
Together with David Miliband, CEO & President of IRC, and selected stakeholders from politics, business, academia, we discussed Germany's responsibilities in an international system in crisis.
In conversation with Anna Bjerde and other representatives from politics, business, and academia, we discussed efforts in fostering sustainable development.
The African continent has the potential to become the global agriculture powerhouse. The action recommendations of the sixth conference.
The research paper on new technologies and innovation in the African agricultural sector was issued on the occasion of The Africa Roundtable “Growing Africa's Future” 2024 in Berlin.