13. Februar 2026 Rede der Bundesentwicklungsministerin Alabali Radovan auf der Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz

Bildinformationen einblenden

Video abspielen

Es gilt das gesprochene Wort

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am glad to welcome you all to this Townhall, which is actually opening the main programme of the MSC.

And I think it is very fitting in these times that we are opening the main programme with this topic.

I am deeply convinced that security cannot be ensured by military measures and diplomacy alone.

We need the „three Ds“, which are defence, diplomacy and development. And this is what we are talking about today.

Because security does not start with military action. It starts where governments deliver. Where children can go to school. And where people see a future worth staying for.

At its best, development policy is preventive security: it addresses the root causes of conflicts.

It de-escalates crises before they become global emergencies.

And it is good value for money. According to the World Bank and UNDP, prevention today is at least ten times more cost-effective than crisis response tomorrow.

That is why Germany remains a reliable development partner.

We are also investing in security in a holistic way. For the first time in our country's history, we – the German government – have installed a National Security Council.

This is where we bring the „three Ds“ together. Where defence, diplomacy and development work hand in hand.

We are strengthening our military capabilities as a means of last resort. And we are making sure that diplomacy and development remain our means of first resort.

The first few weeks of 2026, which really felt like a whole year in itself, have made one thing clear: we are entering a new era of international politics.

The global order is shifting. Old alliances are under pressure. New centres of gravity are emerging.

And, from my point of view, it is clear: in order to weather the storm, in order to shape the future, Germany and Europe need strong partnerships with countries of the Global South. Development cooperation is the way we build and shape exactly these partnerships.

Because global challenges – from peace to security – can only be met together.

This requires a more effective multilateral system.

One that leaves no one behind.

One that gives different perspectives a voice.

And one that delivers better results for everyone around the world.

And we really need to work on that.

Over the coming days, this Townhall will address many core security issues that are also development issues – such as climate change, food security and the global pushback on gender equality and rights.

It will also focus on regions – such as the Sahel, Syria, Ukraine and of course Gaza – where development cooperation is essential for stability and reconstruction.

I am very confident that this MSC Townhall will help us identify shared concerns, define common interests and outline possible solutions.

Because in times like these, we need more dialogue and more cooperation – not less.

So, let's start, right now.

Thank you all for attending this opening.