Circle
Climate Finance as a Strategic Pillar of Integrated Security
Innovative Approaches to Europe's Global Climate Action
Circle: Climate Finance as a Strategic Pillar of Integrated Security
June 2, 2026
Berlin
International climate policy is under increasing pressure. Over a decade since the Paris Agreement was established, the divide between “petrostates” and “electrostates” has become a defining feature of global climate politics.
As geopolitical competition intensifies and UN climate talks progress slowly, the world risks falling further behind on its existing climate finance commitments. At the same time, climate change is affecting people and economies worldwide, and many countries in the Global South are facing some of the most severe impacts already.
Dr. Kumi Naidoo, President, The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty & Prof. Dr. Ottmar Edenhofer, Director & Chief Economist, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)
This trend underscores a broader reality: In an interconnected world, climate policy and security policy are inherently linked. Policymakers should therefore treat climate action as a core element of a broader security strategy.
How can countries sustain global climate action during a period of geopolitical change? What role should Germany and the European Union play in international climate finance in the years ahead? How can Europe use climate finance to strengthen its security interests and economic position?
Following up on the final report by our Commission “A Changing World – Germany and the Global South” and as part of our Alliance for Integrated Security, we discussed the policy recommendations outlined in the Working Paper “How to Scale Up Effective International Climate Finance by the EU?” by Commission member Prof. Dr. Ottmar Edenhofer, Director & Chief Economist, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).
Speakers
Contact Persons
Sarah van Bentum, s.vanbentum@globalperspectives.org
Circle
We believe in proximity building trust. Our most personal format therefore offers the opportunity to deepen the knowledge of our high-ranking guests in a small circle, together with an exchange of experiences, in dialogue.
Related Program
We brought together policymakers and experts at the German Bundestag to discuss how Germany can strengthen Defense, Diplomacy, and Development as equal pillars of its foreign and security policy.
The impacts of climate change are being felt around the world. At the same time, there are reasons for hope. Together with Dr. Ani Dasgupta, we explored why the climate crisis calls for more optimism.
At the launch of the Alliance for Integrated Security, we discussed the current geopolitical challenges and identified potential areas of cooperation between Germany and the Global South.
As global conflicts increase and uncertainty rises, Europe and Germany must take greater responsibility for their future and adopt a broader approach to security.
In times of limited resources and geopolitical tension, multilateral institutions can maximize the impact of existing development funding.
We discussed with State Secretary Niels Annen how development policy can be integrated into networked foreign, security, and economic policies.
US tariffs changes are causing new uncertainties in global trade. Together with ONE and Pinelopi K. Goldberg, we discussed how international development policy needs to be realigned.
As traditional trade relations shift, strengthening local value chains, enhancing trade agreements, and mobilizing private capital are key to building more resilient and mutually beneficial economies.
Germany is a country of immigration. Building on our Commission's recommendations for action, we discussed ways to better manage and communicate labor migration.
How can Germany build strong, sustainable relationships with countries in the Global South that benefit both sides? At HSC 2025, we continued the dialogue on the Commission's recommendations.
Program Archive
No continent can safeguard its health security alone. Shared health security is therefore a matter of mutual interest. The action recommendations of the tenth conference.
We brought together policymakers and experts at the German Bundestag to discuss how Germany can strengthen Defense, Diplomacy, and Development as equal pillars of its foreign and security policy.
The impacts of climate change are being felt around the world. At the same time, there are reasons for hope. Together with Dr. Ani Dasgupta, we explored why the climate crisis calls for more optimism.
Health security in Europe and Africa is closely interconnected. We discussed stronger collaboration through investment in local production, health equity biotechnology, research, and innovation.
Africa is emerging as a major hub for innovation and artificial intelligence. With leading African voices from Big Tech, academia, and innovation, we highlighted AI innovation across the continent.
At the launch of the Alliance for Integrated Security, we discussed the current geopolitical challenges and identified potential areas of cooperation between Germany and the Global South.
As global conflicts increase and uncertainty rises, Europe and Germany must take greater responsibility for their future and adopt a broader approach to security.
Europe’s access to critical minerals in Africa depends crucially on stronger private sector engagement. We have now taken the recommendations further.
In times of limited resources and geopolitical tension, multilateral institutions can maximize the impact of existing development funding.