Germany and the World

Germany and the World: "An International Conference on Immigration, Integration, and Germany's National Image"

(Berlin, March 3rd - 6th, 2011)
"Germany and the World" is an international conference that will take place from 4th ? 6th March 2010 in Berlin. The goal of the conference is to explore and assess Germany's policies on, and approach towards, immigration and integration into Germany the EU and worldwide. Historically these two issues are of fundamental significance as Germany looks to sustain and grow its economy and foster stronger relations between its cultural minorities, as well as to become a prominent player in the international arena. The event will then move to reflect on the influence of these issues on Germany's image in the eyes of its citizens and the international community.

Program Background

There is a general consensus amongst German politicians and leading opinion-makers that Germany is now a country of immigration. The combination of a low birth rate, an increasing life expectancy, and a growing manufacturing industry has dictated that the country is increasingly reliant on the influx of skilled labor from abroad to support its economy. Whilst Germany has few problems attracting such immigrants, there remain unanswered questions concerning the ability of German society to absorb and integrate immigrant communities. As Chancellor Merkel's comments in October 2010 highlighted, the attempt so far can, for some, be described as a 'failure'. The lack of integration of the German-Turkish community, 3.5 million strong, points to the need for a new strategy.

In recognition of Germany's unique position and the importance of Germany's immigration and integration policies to its long-term economic success, the ICD will hold "Germany and the World: an International Conference on Immigration, Integration, and Germany's National Image". To ensure a thorough analysis, an interdisciplinary range of speakers will be drawn from the fields of politics, diplomacy, culture, civil society, and academia, from across Germany and the wider international community.

Sustainable Network

Participants of the conference will become part of a growing international network of people from across the world with different fields of interest and levels of experience who share a commitment to intercultural exchange. Participants will be able to remain in touch with each other through the ICD Online Network.

Conference Speakers

Speakers at the conference will include leading diplomatic and political representatives, renowned academics, and experts from the cultural sector, civil society, and the media as well as number of individuals from the ICD Advisory Board (for further information about the Advisory Board please click here).

Conference Participants

"Germany and the World" is open to all individuals with an interest in international relations and in Germany's approach towards integration and immigration, and its role in the world. If you would like to reserve a position please click on the Apply button below:

Program Agenda

"Germany and the World" will consist of panel discussions, lectures, and seminars that will focus on the following issues:
  • The history and development of immigration to Germany since 1900 and the cultural diversity of contemporary German society (Focus: African Diaspora, German-Turkish community)
  • Emigration from Germany and individuals with German ancestry abroad (Focus: The US, Canada, the UK, Romania, Latin America)
  • Contemporary German immigration and integration policy (Focus: Citizenship law, immigration law, education policy, language policy)
  • The Integration of the Afro-German, German-Turkish, Jewish and Muslim Communities in Germany
  • Religion in Contemporary Germany
  • Promoting German Identity and Strengthening German Unity: The Role of Art, Culture, and Sport
  • Germany and the European Union: How Strong is the Relationship?
  • Germany´s image and roles as an Economic Powerhouse in the New World Order
  • Germany and the Promotion of Democracy and Human Rights
  • Integration and Immigration at the European level (Focus: The Lisbon treaty, internal migration, the Roma community, economic migrants)
  • Integration and immigration as global challenges (Focus: Citizenship laws, indigenous populations, economic integration)
  • Population movements at the global level (Focus: The European Union, brain drain, refugees, climate change)
  • Multiculturalism and global image (Focus: Cultural diplomacy, soft power, foreign policy)
  • The political and economic benefits of having a strong national brand (Focus: Nation branding, tourism, international trade & investment)
  • Integration, Immigration, and National Brands: Exploring the relationship (Focus: Germany, the UK, the United States)