2nd African German Young Leaders (AGYLE) Program
Video greeting
Berlin, 27 June 2022
The world is in upheaval – with huge consequences both for Africa and Europe:
Both our continents have to find their place and assert themselves in a new great power competition. Both our continents need deep transformations to overcome poverty and to fight climate change.
The United Nations is the place where all Nations meet as equals and develop rules for peaceful and sustainable coexistence on our planet. Together Africa and Europe represent more than 80 countries of the world. We both need to use this opportunity to shape a better world and win from multilateral cooperation. Africa has demonstrated productive leadership in linking its political vision 2063 with the United Nations Agenda 2030 for sustainable Development.
History, geographical proximity and their respective interests make Africa and Europe predestined partners in the 21st century. To make this real and productive Europe must learn to see Africa as a political subject with its own identity and political agenda. Africa on the other hand must tackle more seriously corruption and bad governance. In this the Mo Ibrahim Governance Index for example can give valuable insights.
Africa and Europe should not cover up the obvious asymmetries between our continents but take them as starting points for finding genuine win-win-solutions. I give you three examples for this from a German perspective:
1.) Sections of the German economy are suffering from a lack of trained workers – African young people need prospects and jobs: the win-win would be more legal migration, vocational training and brain circulation (instead of brain drain).
2.) In Germany, an ageing society has high savings – in Africa, a young and poor society needs real economic investment. The win-win would be save African Infrastructure Bonds issued by German institutional investors.
3.) In Germany, huge demand for climate-neutral hydrogen is emerging – in Africa, the conditions seem to be ideal. The win-win would be the chance to decarbonize Germany and to leapfrog the African electricity supply.
Thriving together requires building strong networks. I am delighted that this second edition of the “African German Young Leaders Program” gives you the opportunity to do so. I am sure you will make the best of our shared fortunes!
Engage! It’s about your future!