Steinmeier warns of "new world disorder" and criticizes UN debacle

As a current example of the vulnerability of global connections, the Federal President cited the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. When food, fertilizer and fuel could no longer be transported, food prices would rise worldwide – with particularly dramatic consequences for poorer states. Global challenges such as climate change, hunger and poverty could, in his words, only be solved together.

Example of the Strait of Hormuz

Steinmeier strongly advocated maintaining, deepening and expanding existing partnerships in development cooperation. Germany and the vast majority of other states could not survive in a world without rules, he warned. This year's conference is held under the motto "The Power of Cooperation: Driving Progress Together."

Debate about Germany's UN engagement

The Federal President addressed Germany's failed bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in clear terms. He described the defeat as "bitter" and as a reason for critical questions – including directed at Germany itself. He firmly rejected a withdrawal of Germany from the United Nations: "A withdrawal would be short-sighted and fatal." Instead, the UN must become "more efficient and effective."

According to the organizers, around 1,600 participants from more than 110 countries are taking part in the conference, including representatives from politics, business, science, international organizations and civil society. The focus is on the question of how extreme poverty and hunger can be overcome worldwide.

North-South Commission under Scholz and Chinchilla

As part of the HSC, a North-South Commission under the auspices of the German government is also set to be launched on Tuesday. It is to develop new forms of development cooperation in a multipolar world. According to information from those close to the conference, it will be chaired by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and the former President of Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul had hinted after the failure in the Security Council that Germany could reduce its UN engagements as a result. At the conference, he confirmed that the Bundestag would examine individual UN engagements more closely as part of budget planning. "Germany also wants to be respected," said Wadephul. Germany is one of the largest contributors to the United Nations; it cannot be the case "that we are one of the largest contributors and are not considered in certain decisions, including personnel matters."

The Hamburg Sustainability Conference is being held for the third time this year and has established itself as an international forum for sustainability policy. With a view to the geopolitical tensions, Steinmeier stressed that the search for joint solutions was more urgent than ever – while at the same time warning against illusions of short-term success.