Global Perspectives Initiative

Save the Date 🗓: How to Move Global Summits Beyond Lip Service Join us on October 31 (1:00pm - 2:00pm CET): https://lnkd.in/dPwx8Q6y The recent “Summit of the Future” and the Hamburg Sustainability Conference gained worldwide attention. But what concrete outcomes did these meetings actually deliver, and how can we transform well-sounding declarations into tangible, equitable progress? In the upcoming edition of our digital dialogue series #GlobalPerspectivesOn, we analyze key summit outcomes, the steps needed to move from declarations to action, and how global governance can adapt to today’s challenges. Our CEO Gregor Darmer will be in conversation with Michael Scharfschwerdt, Director Policy Planning at Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) Germany and Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President & CEO of The ONE Campaign. #GlobalGovernance #ForeignPolicy #AuswaertigesAmt #GlobalDevelopment

"Escalating conflicts and deepening mistrust in democratic institutions and values are not specific to Africa; we see it right around the world. But it is specifically concerning in Africa because it threatens our progress in economic and social development." - Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has just released its 2024 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (#IIAG), revealing a stark reality: while 52.1% of Africa's population has seen governance progress over the past decade, for the remaining half, governance levels in 2023 are worse than in 2014. Based on comprehensive data from across the continent, the Index shows mixed progress: infrastructure and women's equality have advanced remarkably, with 95% of Africa's population seeing improvements. However, security and democratic participation have declined significantly. Most notably, public perception indicators signal growing frustration, particularly regarding economic opportunities - the most deteriorated indicator in the entire Index. Ibrahim emphasizes: "Let us not summarize too quickly Africa's governance landscape under a single average. Ours is a huge continent of 54 countries, with highly diverging trends […] The remarkable progress registered by countries such as Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire, Seychelles, Angola and Benin, and in some key areas, such as Infrastructure and Women's Equality, should offer hope of what can be achieved." #Data4Governance #AfricanGovernance #MoIbrahimFoundation

The BRICS Summit in Kazan this week marks a significant shift in global dynamics. Now expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, the alliance represents nearly half the world's population and over 35% of global economic output. Russia's stated priorities during its presidency span politics, security, economy, and cultural ties - while proposing ambitious changes to the global financial system through initiatives like “BRICS Bridge”. „The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has not only reduced the existing European security order to absurdity, it has also made clear that there are very different global ideas about what constitutes an international, rules-based order. […] This makes it even more important for Germany to develop concepts for engaging with these countries that foster a new consensus on the future of the international order.” - Stefan Mair, Managing Chairman, German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) With China contributing over 60% of BRICS' economic output, and another 20 countries expressing interest in membership, the evolving dynamics between established and emerging powers require new approaches to international cooperation. This is why we have launched the Commission "A Changing World - Germany and the Global South” Learn more about the Commission’s work and its other members: https://lnkd.in/d_8uC8yN #BRICS2024 #GlobalGovernance #GermanyAndTheGlobalSouth

At Hamburg Sustainability Conference, we co-hosted the discussion on “NewSpace, Better Data, Effective Transformation!” with our partner BDI - Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie e.V. Eva Gauß and Rhoda Berger led the conversation with Teddy Soobramanien, Max Gulde, Julia Gottfriedsen, Dr. Stefanie Harter, and Ahmad Hamwi on how emerging space technologies are revolutionizing sustainability efforts and creating new market opportunities. From space to healthcare, data is the cornerstone of sustainable transformation. We continued the dialogue during our Global Perspectives Circle at #WHS2024, focusing on how AI is shaping the future of healthcare: https://lnkd.in/dcZwe_RQ “What we need is data that is reliable and that is clean, that is also interoperable, and that is Africa-centered.” - Amani Abou-Zeid أماني أبوزيد during our event “Revolutionizing African Healthcare: The AI Promise?”

The OECD - OCDE Forum on #GreenFinance and Investment has just concluded in Paris, focusing on "mobilizing trillions". While resources are available, the challenge lies in implementation. Driving sustainable transformation depends on the private sector, smart finance, and incentives. This global dialogue echoes the work of our Commission "A Changing World – Germany and the Global South", which recently held its meeting on climate finance. Based on an impulse by Prof. Dr. Ottmar Edenhofer, Director and Chief Economist of the PIK - Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, we discussed Germany's potential role in mobilizing global climate capital and promoting multilateral partnerships for the "Global South". The Commission is working on recommendations for Germany's future partnership with the “Global South” in a time of geopolitical change. Climate finance is one of the topics on which the members of the Commission have decided to focus. Find out more about other aspects of international cooperation that the Commission is looking at: https://lnkd.in/d_8uC8yN #OECDgfi #GermanyAndTheGlobalSouth

“When it comes to Africa, we need to understand that the old way of developing support from the Global North does not work. We need to build capacity in Africa for Africans to be led by Africans, they need to lead their way.” - Ricardo Baptista Leite, M.D. This statement set the tone for yesterday’s Global Perspectives Circle on "Revolutionizing African Healthcare" at the World Health Summit. The discussion focused on the transformative potential of #AI on the African continent, where it is projected to drive $1.2 trillion in economic growth. In #healthcare, AI emerges as a potential great equalizer: With the right policies, it could break down longstanding barriers to accessibility and affordability. By harnessing the power of data, AI has the capacity to not only enhance but also significantly expand access to high-quality health services across the continent. It was a pleasure to discuss current AI developments in Africa’s healthcare sector with Amani Abou-Zeid أماني أبوزيد (Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, African Union), Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili (Founder & CEO, Human Capital Africa), Roland Göhde (CEO, GHA - German Health Alliance), Bernhard Schwartländer (WHS Ambassador), Ricardo Baptista Leite, M.D. (CEO, HealthAI), Bernd Ohnesorge (President EMEA, Siemens Healthineers), and Jon Fairest (Head of Global Health Unit, Sanofi). Their insights underscored the importance of African-led innovation and the need for collaborative, equitable partnerships in realizing AI's potential. A special thank you to our partners BDI - Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie e.V. and GHA - German Health Alliance. #WHS2024

“How can we transform our current carbon markets and finance net negative emissions?” - Ottmar Edenhofer, Director & Chief Economist, PIK - Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research We explored this and other questions during a Global Perspective’s Lunch on the sidelines of #HSC24 with Ottmar Edenhofer, Vera Songwe, and members of our Commission “A Changing World – Germany and the Global South “. The discussion highlighted Germany’s evolving role and responsibility in a rapidly changing world, with a special focus on climate change and climate financing. “The private sector is looking and waiting to buy carbon,” says Vera Songwe, Chair and Founder, The Liquidity and Sustainability Facility (LSF). Thank you to participants Janina Kugel, Manuel J. Hartung, Julia Ganter, Christian S., Dr. Martin Frick, Stephan Exo-Kreischer, Max Münz, Elisabeth Mansfeld, Anna-Katharina Hornidge, among others. Our Commission, "A Changing World – Germany and the Global South," aims to develop actionable recommendations for Germany's engagement with the Global South, focusing on key areas like demographic trends, economic development, skilled labor, climate action and finance. Explore how Germany should navigate these partnerships amid shifting geopolitical dynamics: https://lnkd.in/d_8uC8yN.

“IDA is a collective and dynamic, and expanding, multilateral effort; based on burden-sharing, countries taking responsibility; and solidarity” - Ajay Banga, President of The World Bank Group At the recent IDA for Africa Heads of State Summit in Nairobi, leaders agreed on a bold transformation agenda for IDA support. Our CEO Rhoda Berger continued the dialogue at the World Bank Group's Future Talk "IDA – Putting Africa on the Path to Prosperity" at Hamburg Sustainability Conference. Key takeaway: Collaboration with African partners is vital to shape the next ambitious IDA cycle, ensuring it meets local needs. IDA isn't just funding — it's a tool for partnerships, driving good governance and a business-friendly climate to drive sustainable development across the continent. Thanks to Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, and Rwanda's Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente for their insights on IDA's potential impact on Africa's future. Photos: World Bank #IDA21 #WorldBank #HSC24 #SustainableDevelopmentGoals

"We need to rebuild trust among citizens and with governments, with all sectors working together to innovate and address the needs of the most vulnerable."- said Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, CEO of The ONE Campaign, during our Global Perspectives Circle on Value-Driven Foreign and Aid Policy with David Miliband and International Rescue Committee Deutschland earlier this year.   The discussion highlighted IDA's alignment with Africa's transformation agenda, as agreed at the Africa Heads of State Summit.   - IDA is a proven tool (since 1960) that provides grants and zero to low interest loans for developing countries. It backs infrastructure, climate action, green transition, health systems, education, and more. - As the global order shifts, we're entering a ‘new era’ of Africa-world relationships. This demands new answers and bold steps, including adjustments to our multilateral systems. Given IDA's proven effectiveness and leverage, a successful replenishment is now more crucial than ever. - Collaborating with international partners to shape the next IDA cycle and putting them in the 'driver's seat' is essential. IDA has shown its effectiveness for sustainable partnerships and tackling global challenges   A strong IDA 21 replenishment is crucial amid rising conflicts and lagging SDG progress. As Akikihiko Nishio, Vice President at The World Bank, noted in our Circle on "Adapting the Global Financial Architecture," IDA can play a key role here. For more expert insights on IDA's role, visit: https://lnkd.in/eEBw7yME   We look forward to continuing the IDA dialogue at the upcoming Hamburg Sustainability Conference with Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo, Rwanda’s Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente, and Ajay Banga, President of the The World Bank Group. We will discuss making IDA more innovative, effective, and inclusive to promote economic autonomy.   #IDA21 #WorldBank #HSC24 #TheAfricaRoundtable

"We need to view Africa as a partner for investment and development, rather than thinking of it as a continent needing ODA or as a basket case. We really need to finance the continent's future. Because when we finance Africa's future, we're financing all of our futures” - Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, former Minister of Investments, Botswana. We hosted the session "Financing Africa's Future" at Berlin Global Dialogue yesterday, focusing on the crucial role of finance in Africa's growth. The discussion addressed challenges such as high borrowing costs and debt burdens that impede economic progress and job creation. Ertharin Cousin, Nathalie Delapalme, Bogolo Kenewendo, Vera Songwe, Birgit Pickel and Moritz Schularick provided insights on Africa's financial landscape and explored actions needed from businesses, governments and multilateral organizations to improve financing, attract investments, and foster a more equitable global financial system. Photos: Ana Torres #BDG2024