Partnerships “at eye level” and the green transition

Not least as a result of the fracturing of the traditional transatlantic relationship with the US, Germany and Europe are increasingly looking for partnerships with countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Partnerships, everybody agrees at least in theory, have to reflect cooperation "at eye level" — rejecting neocolonial models of the past and implementing alliances that respect national priorities and sovereignty.

This growing demand for equality in international cooperation has led many countries to turn to alternative partners, especially China, whose investments often come with fewer conditions. While this shift opens space for industrial development and infrastructure expansion, it also raises concerns: How can standards regarding environment, climate, transparency and the human rights of affected people — central particularly to many NGOs and the European Greens — be upheld in such an investment landscape? Will partnerships “at eye level” with Southern governments sacrifice these concerns?

A breakfast conversation with

• Maria Fernanda Espinosa (Former President of the United Nations General Assembly; Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and of Defense, Ecuador) (tbd)

• Carlos Lopes (Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town, South Africa) 

In our political breakfast conversation with Maria Fernanda Espinosa and Carlos Lopes we would like to explore these complex dynamics in search for a way forward.

Please join us and register - seating is limited and will be awarded on a first come first serve basis.

Contact: 
Christina Rode, Project Officer Globalisation and Transformation Division
E  rode@boell.de