Achim Troster, ambassador of Germany to Bangladesh, has recently delivered a keynote address at the inaugural episode of the ‘Ambassador Talk’ series at the Independent University, Bangladesh in Dhaka.
The IUB’s department of global studies and governance and the Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies jointly organised the event titled Beyond Borders: What Bangladesh Can Learn from Germany’s Regional Vision, said a press release on Monday.
The German envoy shared insights on Germany’s balancing of values and interests through a rules-based global order and explored promising avenues for Germany-Bangladesh cooperation in sectors such as trade, industrial diversification, green technology and the fight against climate change, particularly in preserving biodiversity in the Sundarbans.
He expressed a firm commitment to strengthening academic and development ties through bilateral initiatives, supported by over €1.2 billion in ongoing projects financed and implemented by the German cooperation in Bangladesh.
In his remarks, Professor Daniel W Lund, IUB pro-vice-chancellor, appreciated the spirit of knowledge-sharing and diplomacy that defined the event.
Earlier, the session began with welcome remarks from Marufa Akter, head of the GSG department, who reflected on her enriching academic journey in Germany.
Former ambassador Tariq A Karim, adviser to CBoBS, spoke from personal and professional experience about regional cooperation.
He recalled that it was in Germany where he first learned the importance of regionalism, adding that Bangladesh could and should contribute to shaping South Asia’s regional identity.
He further reflected on how Germany and France, despite a difficult history, came together to lead the unification of Europe. ‘European cooperation is not only about ceding sovereignty but also about pooling sovereignty to achieve shared goals.’
The discussion segment addressed topics, including sustainable industrialisation, trade relations, Bangladesh’s path to LDC graduation and the role of youth in regional peace building.
The event concluded with a cultural performance by the IUB Music Club.
