The KAAD Annual Convention discussed the concepts of „World Civil Society“ and „Global Governance“

At the 24th Annual Convention (April 22 – 25) 218 Scholarship holders from 57 countries and distinguished guests from church and society were present. Participants represented most academic disciplines and several religions, and they offered an ideal space for analyzing the complex theme of ‘how to rule the world?’

Based on the results of several smaller panels (on market and capital, civil society, modern media/internet, and world of religions) in a plenary session discussions focused mainly on civil societies and possible attempts of setting up a world civil society. The expert on international law, Professor Matthias Herdegen (Bonn University) in his speech on models of “Global Governance” put emphasis on legal and political aspects. For him, the base of “Global Governance” lies in the globalization of constitutional principles (e.g. Human Rights).

Paul Wehrle (Auxiliary Bishop of Freiburg and representative of the German Bishops’ Conference) underscored the radiance of Christians and Christian communities. Their spiritual contributions also legitimize the presence of religion in the public arena. The group of students of music among KAAD scholarship holders contributed greatly to the Service, the evening concert, and the final folklore evening.

An Exhibition of the Ethiopian painter Nigatu Tsebay Molla formed also part of this creative and productive Convention.