Berlin Foreign Policy Forum 2026
The Berlin Foreign Policy Forum, hosted in DEU, serves as a pivotal gathering for international dialogue on pressing global issues. This annual event convenes a diverse group of policymakers, experts, and thought leaders to deliberate on the evolving landscape of foreign policy and its implications for international relations. The forum is structured to foster in-depth discussions and collaborative problem-solving, addressing the complex challenges that shape the contemporary world order. Participants engage in a series of high-level discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, aiming to bridge divides and forge common ground on critical foreign policy matters. The event's focus on comprehensive analysis and strategic foresight positions it as a significant platform for shaping future diplomatic approaches and international cooperation.
Committees & topics
General Assembly (GA)
Security Council (SC)
Security Council: The Situation in Sudan and Cyber Threats to Critical Infrastructure
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Food and Agriculture Organization: Food Security in an Era of Climate Shocks and Conflict
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
UNHCR: Forced Displacement, Climate Migration, and Burden-Sharing
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Economic and Social Council: Sovereign Debt and Digital Public Infrastructure
UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC)
Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime
United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)
United Nations Environment Assembly: Plastics Treaty and the Triple Planetary Crisis
Why it matters
The Berlin Foreign Policy Forum is crucial because it provides a dedicated space for stakeholders to collectively address the multifaceted nature of global challenges. In an era marked by rapid geopolitical shifts, economic interdependence, and technological advancements, such forums are essential for maintaining open channels of communication and fostering mutual understanding among nations.
The discussions held in Berlin contribute to a deeper appreciation of the various perspectives on international security, economic stability, and social development. By bringing together influential voices from different regions and sectors, the forum facilitates the exchange of ideas that can inform more effective and inclusive foreign policy strategies. It underscores the importance of multilateralism and collaborative efforts in navigating an increasingly complex global environment.
How to prepare
To effectively engage with the discussions at the Berlin Foreign Policy Forum, participants should undertake a thorough review of contemporary international relations. This includes understanding the historical context of current geopolitical tensions and the various theoretical frameworks that inform foreign policy decisions. A strong grasp of the principles outlined in the "Charter of the United Nations" will provide a foundational understanding of international law and diplomacy.
Consideration should be given to the dynamics of power shifts and the emergence of new actors on the global stage. Analyzing different approaches to international cooperation and conflict resolution, as explored in lessons such as "Engagement Strategies," will be beneficial. Furthermore, understanding the concept of "Hidden Stakeholders" and applying "Dynamic Analysis" can help in anticipating the broader implications of policy decisions and identifying less obvious influences on global events. A comprehensive understanding of these elements will enable participants to contribute meaningfully to the forum's deliberations and to critically assess the proposed solutions to global challenges.
Country perspectives
Where the most-relevant 1 countries stand on the core issues in play. Click through for the full country profile.
Topics & background
The background behind each topic and the actors that shape it.
General Assembly (GA)
General Assembly: Reform of the Multilateral System
Key players
United StatesLargest assessed contributor; resists expansive GA encroachment on SC prerogatives
ChinaChampions Global South coalition-building and reform of 'Western-dominated' institutions
GermanyG4 aspirant for permanent SC seat; major funder of UN development pillar
IndiaLeads G4 reform push and voice of Global South majority
BrazilG4 member advocating equitable representation and financial architecture reform
South AfricaAnchors African Group demands under the Ezulwini Consensus
Security Council (SC)
Security Council: The Situation in Sudan and Cyber Threats to Critical Infrastructure
Key players
- United States
Penholder on Sudan sanctions; pushes Western cyber norms framework
RussiaHas vetoed Sudan ceasefire texts; co-sponsors alternative cybercrime architecture
- China
Emphasizes non-interference; backs treaty-based cyber governance
United KingdomPenholder on Sudan; active on cyber norms and humanitarian access
United Arab EmiratesAccused by UN Panel of Experts of materiel flows to RSF; denies involvement
SudanState at the center of the conflict; SAF-led government holds UN seat
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Food and Agriculture Organization: Food Security in an Era of Climate Shocks and Conflict
Key players
- United States
Largest donor; pushes productivity-focused, technology-driven approaches
- China
Has held FAO Director-General post since 2019; promotes South-South cooperation
- Russia
Major grain and fertilizer exporter; central to Black Sea food security debates
UkraineMajor grain exporter whose disrupted shipments destabilized global markets
- Brazil
Agricultural superpower; leads on biofuels and tropical agriculture
EthiopiaHost of African Union; voice for Horn of Africa food emergencies
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
UNHCR: Forced Displacement, Climate Migration, and Burden-Sharing
Key players
TurkeyHosts the world's largest refugee population, primarily Syrians
- Germany
Largest European host and a leading UNHCR donor
- United States
Top financial contributor to UNHCR; influential on resettlement policy
IranHosts millions of Afghan refugees; contests Western policy framing
BangladeshHosts nearly one million Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar
ColombiaMajor host of Venezuelan displaced persons; pioneer of regularization
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Economic and Social Council: Sovereign Debt and Digital Public Infrastructure
Key players
- United States
Largest IMF/World Bank shareholder; resists UN-led debt restructuring forum
- China
Largest bilateral creditor to developing states; central to Common Framework talks
- India
Leading proponent of DPI export and Global South digital sovereignty
ZambiaTest case for Common Framework restructuring; African debt advocate
- Germany
Major development donor; bridges EU and G77 positions
KenyaVoice for African Group on debt architecture and digital inclusion
UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC)
Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime
Key players
- United States
Driver of counter-narcotics agenda, particularly on fentanyl precursors
MexicoFrontline state on cartels, firearms trafficking, and migrant smuggling
ItalyOriginal host of the Palermo Convention; expertise on mafia-type organizations
- China
Key actor on precursor chemicals and Southeast Asian scam compound diplomacy
- Colombia
Central to cocaine supply chains and asset recovery norms
NigeriaLeading African voice on trafficking in persons and cyber-enabled fraud
United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)
United Nations Environment Assembly: Plastics Treaty and the Triple Planetary Crisis
Key players
NorwayCo-leads High Ambition Coalition for an ambitious plastics treaty
RwandaCo-leads High Ambition Coalition; African champion on plastics
Saudi ArabiaLeads 'like-minded' group resisting production caps on plastics
- United States
Pivotal swing actor on plastics, biodiversity finance, and chemicals
- China
World's largest plastics producer; key to any production-side measures
- Kenya
Host of UNEP headquarters and influential African environmental voice
Resources
News, lessons, and country profiles to prep for Berlin Foreign Policy Forum 2026.
Recent reporting to ground your prep
Lessons
Bite-sized lessons to build the basics
Courses
Guided courses that go deeper on the topic
The states in play, with the data that shapes their stance
GermanyCountry dossier
United StatesCountry dossier
ChinaCountry dossier
IndiaCountry dossier
BrazilCountry dossier
South AfricaCountry dossier
RussiaCountry dossier
United KingdomCountry dossier
United Arab EmiratesCountry dossier
SudanCountry dossier
UkraineCountry dossier
EthiopiaCountry dossier
Country dossier
IranCountry dossier
BangladeshCountry dossier
ColombiaCountry dossier
ZambiaCountry dossier
KenyaCountry dossier
MexicoCountry dossier
ItalyCountry dossier
NigeriaCountry dossier
NorwayCountry dossier
RwandaCountry dossier
Saudi ArabiaCountry dossier