The third “Managing Global Governance” (MGG) Public Lecture was given by Klaus Wiegandt (in German), directorate and founder of the foundation „Forum für Verantwortung”. Being former spokesman of the Metro AG’s managing board he established the foundation after his 60th birthday. Coming from an economic background Mr. Wiegandt formed the debate on sustainability e.g. as the editor of a series entitled “Mut zur Nachhaltigkeit” (Courage to sustainability) and as an author in strategic future analysis. He published his latest book together with Harald Welzer in 2012 under the title: „Perspektiven einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung: Wie sieht die Welt im Jahr 2050 aus?“ (Perspectives on sustainable development: How will the world be shaped in 2050?).

His speech was be guided by the question of how power structures and decision making processes within our democratic system may hinder the economy to shift towards a more sustainable mode of production. Overall, there are two popular arguments for this thesis: First, democracies cannot change policies as swiftly as autocracies might be able to do. And second, the possibility to be cast down by the voter in the face of unpopular measures induces democratic politicians to opt for a policy of wait and see. An example from recent German history is the so-called “Agenda 2010” carried out under chancellor Schröder, implementing unpopular reforms: Although it is praised nowadays by almost all parties and institutions, it was central in the dismissal of Schröder’s government. Therefore, is it possible to marry democracy and sustainability? 

Klaus Wiegandt addressed these issues in his lecture and in the subsequent discussion with Elke Siehl, Head of the “Good Governance and Human Rights” Department at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Tilman Altenburg, ead of DIE Department “Competitiveness and Social Development” chaired the session and invited the audience to contribute questions and comments. 

The event is part of the MGG Public Lecture series featuring eminent scholars as well as high-ranking officials from MGG partner institutions. MGG, which is now in its 11th round in 2013, engages highly qualified young professionals from eight emerging economies (Egypt, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan and South Africa) in a global governance dialogue. The format starts off with a two-month academic module, the Global Governance School (GGS) at the German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE). Subsequently, participants move on to research-based practice projects at German or European host organisations. MGG is jointly implemented by DIE and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ).