Germany’s Ambassador Launches “Ambassador Talk” Series at IUB, Highlights Bangladesh-Germany Cooperation
Dhaka, May 29, 2025 — The German Ambassador to Bangladesh, Achim Tröster, inaugurated the first session of the “Ambassador Talk” series at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), presenting a compelling vision for deeper Bangladesh-Germany cooperation. The event, titled “BEYOND BORDERS: What Bangladesh Can Learn from Germany’s Regional Vision,” was co-hosted by IUB’s Department of Global Studies and Governance (GSG) and the Center for Bay of Bengal Studies (CBoBS).
In his keynote speech, Ambassador Tröster shared critical insights into the European Union’s policy framework, focusing on multilateralism, peacebuilding, and the EU’s evolving regional role. He outlined collaborative opportunities in trade, industrial diversification, green energy, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation in the Sundarbans—a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Key highlights included:
- Commitment to sustainable development and digital transformation, especially in visa processing systems;
- Promotion of technical education, youth exchange programs, and academic collaboration;
- Support from the European Union exceeding EUR 1.2 billion in bilateral and multilateral initiatives.
Prof. Daniel W. Lund, Pro Vice Chancellor of IUB, lauded the initiative for fostering academic diplomacy and international dialogue. Dr. Marufa Akter, Head of the GSG Department, opened the session with reflections on her academic experience in Germany, reinforcing the value of global education partnerships.
Ambassador (Retd.) Tariq A. Karim, Advisor to CBoBS, highlighted how Germany’s post-war reconciliation and cooperation with France offers lessons for regional integration in South Asia. “Pooling sovereignty can be more powerful than ceding it,” he remarked, pointing to the EU as a successful model for regional peace and economic growth.
A panel discussion followed, addressing topics like:
- Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status;
- The future of Bangladesh-EU trade relations;
- The role of youth in peacebuilding;
- Balancing industrial development with environmental sustainability and labor rights.
Event concluded with a performance by the IUB Music Club, promoting the message of unity in diversity. This inaugural episode of the Ambassador Talk series marks a new chapter in Bangladesh-Germany bilateral relations, with a shared focus on innovation, education, and sustainable development.