Dear Readers,
Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time and clear goals are crucial. This is why world leaders have come together to address it at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) currently taking place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. At the Conference, Chancellor Scholz pledged to increase the German contribution for international climate financing to $6 billion per year by 2025, and to provide around $170 million for a global protective umbrella to cushion damages inflected by climate catastrophes. Minister Baerbock reemphasized that Germany will be climate-neutral by 2045 at the latest.
Also noteworthy: The first US-German Futures Forum, which took place in Münster November 2-3 to address the global challenges and chances of technology and digitization for democracies. German Ambassador Emily Haber said that “democracies must deliver. That’s why we pursue a value-based foreign cyber policy which sets the standard, ensuring new technologies don’t cement divisions, but bring us together.” At the Forum, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also participated in a panel discussion with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. The full video is linked in this week’s edition of “Germany for Americans”.
And of course, we can’t forget to mention November 9: one of the most historic dates in German history. Last week marked the 33rd anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a monumental day in German history. It is a day that gave Germany freedom, hope and a brighter future – without walls. But it also marked the anniversary of the Reichspogromnacht (dubbed Kristallnacht by the Nazis). This was the night of the hitherto largest pogrom against Jews committed in Germany in 1938. “The organized violence against Jewish citizens, the humiliation, their mass incarceration and destruction of their property were the first stage of the Holocaust”, Ambassador Haber said. So on November 9, we reflect on the importance of this day – a day forever marked by both joy and tragedy.
Yours,
The "Germany for Americans" Team |
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“My thoughts are with Poland”
Germany’s Chancellor Scholz and Foreign Minister Baerbock declare solidarity with Polish neighbors
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G20 calls for withdrawal of troops from Ukraine
Final declaration: Most members condemn Russian war of aggression
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Remarks at a U.S.-German Futures Forum Moderated Discussion with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock
At the inaugural U.S.-German Futures Forum in Muenster, Germany, participants formulated recommendations for finding concrete ways to strengthen the principles of democracy in view of the digital transformation. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken joined the exchange of ideas in a panel discussion.
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Watch the discussion |
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Together against the death penalty
There are still 55 countries around the world that continue to impose the death penalty. But each year, this number diminishes. Representatives from 125 countries are gathering in Berlin from the 15th to the 18th of November to advance the universal abolition of capital punishment.
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Scholz rejects Iranian threats
Chancellor: “What kind of government are you that shoots at its own citizens?”
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UN Climate Change Conference takes place in Egypt
COP27 (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 27th Conference of the Parties) is being held in Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt from November 6-18, 2022.
Hear from Secretary Morgan |
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Germany bets on global green hydrogen economy
Germany has upped its ambitions on a global green hydrogen scheme. The fuel has been touted as a solution to help slash CO2 emissions. What is the hype all about?
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Germany completes construction of its first floating LNG terminal
Liquefied natural gas facility will be central to securing energy supplies this winter, says minister
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Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quartet performs at the German Embassy
The German Embassy was delighted to welcome the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quartet for a concert this week, captivating the audience with their skillful artistry as well as by the tidbits of stories the musicians shared about the pieces. “Thanks for turning our auditorium into Carnegie Hall for the night”, Ambassador Haber wrote on Twitter. Alexander Bader (clarinet), Václav Vonasek (contra bassoon), Jelka Weber (flute) and Dominik Wollenweber (oboe & English horn) presented a delightful program of joint pieces as well as solo performances by composers like Igor Stravinsky, Miloslav Kabelač, and Roger Trefousse, the latter being in attendance at the concert. We wish the artists and the whole Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra much luck on their current US-tour, the first since 2016. If you are interested in events hosted by the Cultural Section of the German Embassy in Washington, DC, If you are interested in events hosted by the Cultural Section of the German Embassy, please sign up for our newsletter. |
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Is there more to German style than socks and sandals?
Meet the Germans presenter Rachel Stewart investigates Germany's sartorial habits — from the street to the catwalk.
Watch the video |
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