Germany launches North-South Commission to reform global development

The German government has launched a new North-South Commission aimed at restructuring international development cooperation within a multipolar world. Co-chaired by Olaf Scholz and Laura Chinchilla Miranda, the 20-member commission includes high-profile international figures such as World Bank President Ajay Banga, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege.

The commission, which was established following an agreement in the coalition contract, seeks to strengthen global partnerships and develop politically actionable proposals for international cooperation. Members represent a diverse range of sectors, including international organizations, business, trade unions, science, and civil society.

The group's first session is scheduled to take place in Bangkok in mid-October. This initiative follows the precedent of the first North-South Commission led by Willy Brandt in 1980, which advocated for increased involvement of Southern nations and a shift in spending from armament to development.