The Conference is a working meeting at which the Heads of German Missions meet with key figures from politics, business, science and culture.

Day one: Focus on AI and new technologies

Alongside security and trade policy issues, one focus at this year’s Conference is the question of how to deal with new technologies, in particular artificial intelligence. After all, the rapid changes triggered by AI also affect foreign policy and diplomacy. We are thus going to constantly adapt the tools, aims and implementation of our foreign policy to the new challenges and technological advances to uphold our freedom, increase our prosperity and strengthen our security.

Together with Digital Affairs Minister Wildberger and Foreign Minister Wadephul, the Heads of Mission will talk on Monday about how Germany and Europe can best position themselves in the tech race being played out by the major powers, the USA and China, and how we can make our foreign and foreign trade policy fit for this new era of technology. The Federal Government’s modernisation agenda will of course play a key role here.

Business Forum with EU Trade Commissioner Šefčovič

On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Wadephul will welcome EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič to this year’s Business Forum. Together with high-profile guests from the German business community, they will discuss how we can best position Europe in the trade sphere to guarantee our prosperity in Germany and Europe both now and in the future and to boost Europe as a place to do business. At “country tables”, the Heads of German Missions will have a chance to engage with representatives of German companies to find out whether our priorities in foreign trade policy align with their needs and, where necessary, discuss adjustments. After all, one of Foreign Minister Wadephul’s main priorities is to strengthen Germany and Europe by implementing astute foreign trade policy and expanding trade partnerships around the globe.

Talks on security with NATO Secretary-General Rutte

Thursday will be very much dominated by German and European security matters. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will be our guest at the Federal Foreign Office, where he will present his analysis of the security situation in the Alliance. Together with Foreign Minister Wadephul and the Heads of Mission, he will talk about how we can strengthen NATO’s European pillar and share the burden more fairly between the transatlantic Allies. The focus here will also be on our reaction to hybrid threats and the extension of our support for Ukraine as it fights to defend itself in the face of the Russian aggressor. The Heads of Mission will also have a meeting with Federal Chancellor Merz on Thursday.

Throughout the week, the Heads of Mission will work in various workshops and podiums to explore how we can translate the Federal Government’s aims for Germany’s foreign policy into action. From trade policy to artificial intelligence in communication or visa applications, from Europe’s role in the geoeconomic tech race to simulating various scenarios with regard to security issues, the Ambassadors Conference will certainly cover a lot of ground.