The global landscape has changed fundamentally. We are witnessing a multiplex global ‘un-order’ where the rules-based system is faltering, replaced by power relations and transactional diplomacy. In this fragmented environment, traditional development cooperation is no longer enough. Sustainable development must now be closely aligned with geostrategic objectives.

This anniversary conference serves as a critical platform to connect the dots between Europe’s internal priorities – security, competitiveness and strategic autonomy – and its external action. We believe that international cooperation remains the surest path to global stability, but it requires a new generation of mutually beneficial partnerships and collective engagements that account for the realities of a multipolar world.

The event offers a platform to identify strategies for EU external action to navigate the four global interdependencies – climate, technology, security and politics – that are reshaping our collective future. We will celebrate four decades of impact and chart a course for a future where sustainable development is anchored in pragmatic, principled and powerful international alliances.
 

Agenda

Master of Ceremonies: Virginia Mucchi, ECDPM, Head of Outreach and Impact

13:30-14:00    Registration and coffee: Connecting the dots
Welcome coffee and registration
 
14:00-14:05    40th Anniversary video  

14:05-14:15    Opening remarks: From policy to practice in a shifting world order
 San Bilal, Executive Director, ECDPM.

14:20-14:40    Keynote: Aligning trade, development and geostrategy
Ambassador Pieter Jan Kleiweg de Zwaan, Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the EU
 
14:40 – 16:00    First session: Geopolitical realignment - Navigating a multiplex world
What’s next after multilateralism as we know it? Navigating a world where global frameworks are replaced by competitive multiplex coalitions. This session explores how the EU can work with middle powers and Global South partners to reshape a multilateral framework that serves shared interests.

Panellists

• Steven Everts, Director EUISS
• Ambassador Tokozile Xasa, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union 
• Hilde Deman, Executive Director, Search for Common Ground
• Ambassador Viwanou Gnassounou, Chair of the Steering Committee Africa Political Outlook

Moderation

• Sophie Desmidt, ECDPM Associate Director - People, partnerships and peace

16:00–16:20    Networking break

16:20–17:40    Second session: Geoeconomic realignment – Trade, technology and industrial partnerships
This session will delve into practical steps to intensify trade and investment collaborations with a range of geographies (notably  MENA, India, Mercosur, Africa), looking at the policies, practices and instruments necessary to transform these partnerships.

Panellists

• Mathieu Briens, Director for Gulf countries, DG Middle East, North Africa and Gulf, European Commission
• Shishir Priyadarshi, President, Chintan Research Foundation
• Migle Niauraite, Senior Director Government Affairs and GIR (Geopolitics and International Relations), Government Engagement, Global Government Affairs, Siemens AG
• Douwe Buzeman, Head of EU International Cooperation, Permanent Representation of the Netherlands to the EU

Moderation

• Chloe Teevan, ECDPM Head – Digital economy and governance

17:40-18:00    The next mile: Charting our common horizon
Adebayo Olukoshi (Chair of the ECDPM Board) and San Bilal (Executive Director, ECDPM)
 
18:00        40th anniversary celebratory reception