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At its core lies the question of how global alliances can be made more effective in advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in an increasingly fragmented world order.

The Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2026 is far more than an international expert gathering. For Germany, it is a strategic pillar of its multilateral sustainability policy.

Global challenges continue to intensify. These include climate change, energy insecurity, food crises, and rising geopolitical tensions. As a result, the need for formats that enable concrete cooperation and translate political ambition into actionable partnerships is growing.

Under the guiding theme “Global Alliances for a Shared Future”, the conference promotes an expanded approach to diplomacy. The goal is to foster new alliances between states, international organisations, development banks, the private sector, and civil society actors.

Germany uses this platform to further strengthen its role as a reliable and constructive partner within the multilateral system.

At the centre of this approach is a clear ambition: sustainability policy must not only be articulated, but implemented. This requires cooperation, investment partnerships, and cross-sectoral initiatives.

The conference provides a framework for this. Political priorities are linked here with concrete projects and initiatives.

The Hamburg Sustainability Conference is particularly relevant for German foreign and development policy, as it brings together key transformation areas:

• Climate action
• Economic development
• Food security
• Global health

These areas are not addressed in isolation, but as part of an integrated agenda. In doing so, the conference supports Germany’s objective of accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At the same time, the conference strengthens Germany’s role as a facilitator in the international system. It increases the visibility of German and European approaches, builds trust in multilateral cooperation, and creates spaces for dialogue between industrialised and developing countries.

Background

The significance of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference becomes clear in the context of German foreign policy, which is firmly rooted in multilateralism and rules-based international cooperation.

The annual conference is a joint initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and the Michael Otto Foundation.

It complements Germany’s existing engagement within the United Nations and other multilateral fora.

Topics such as food security, sustainable supply chains, and climate finance are addressed in a more solution-oriented and partnership-driven context.

In this way, the Hamburg Sustainability Conference strengthens Germany’s ability to actively shape global transformation processes – not only as a supporter of international agendas, but as an initiator of alliances with tangible impact.

For more information, please visit the official website: https://www.sustainability-conference.org/en/