The world in Berlin – from 4 to 7 September 2023, the heads of the more than 220 embassies, consulates general and permanent missions to international organisations are convening at the Federal Foreign Office to discuss global developments and German foreign policy. Foreign Minister Baerbock is opening the conference on Monday morning and has invited Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), as the guest of honour. The focus of this year’s event is strengthening global partnerships. You can follow the opening live on 4 September 2023 via X Channel.

The meeting, originally known as Ambassadors Conference, is traditionally held in Berlin in late summer each year. It brings together guests from the worlds of business, diplomacy, politics, culture and civil society, as well as German ambassadors, consuls general and permanent representatives to international organisations and the European Union, to engage in intensive dialogue.

The German missions across the world are the linchpin of Germany’s foreign policy. Day in, day out, they represent and speak out for Germany’s and Europe’s interests in the respective country – whether in implementing climate projects, supporting German schools abroad, serving as a point of contact for enterprises or actively promoting specific positions in communications with the host country’s government. That is why it is important for the heads of missions to come to Berlin at least once a year to discuss current developments and strategies in person with the Minister, with a large number of colleagues from the Federal Foreign Office and with external guests and experts.

In times of global power shifts, there is no substitute for this direct networking – and important subjects are plentiful. Numerous panels, workshops and discussions with a regional focus will consider humanitarian issues, development cooperation, the fight against the climate crisis and European competitiveness, among other topics. Another focal point is the concrete application of feminist foreign policy, EU enlargement and more strategic communication in a rapidly changing world. This year the spotlight is on strengthening global partnerships with strategically important countries.

Business Forum

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The Business Forum on 5 September 2023 will be concerned with key foreign trade and investment issues – such as climate diplomacy, due diligence in supply chains, the energy transition in Germany and internationally, and skilled immigration. The German missions pave the way for German investment in the host countries as well as for investment by foreign companies in Germany. They are points of contact for international enterprises and companies in the host country when it comes to German economic policy and current developments in Germany.

You can follow the speeches by Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Economics Minister Robert Habeck live on 4 September via X Channel.