Impending collapse or sustainable transformation? The role of the G7 in solving global debt crises

Event Type
Expert discussion

Location/Date
Bonn and Online, 19.05.2022

Organiser

erlassjahr.de, Misereor, German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE)


The multiple crises of climate change, pandemic and global recession have led to the debt situation of many countries in the Global South assuming critical dimensions today. Three times as many countries as before the Corona pandemic are in a particularly critical debt situation (erlassjahr.de and MISEREOR: Global Sovereign Debt Monitor 2022). Many countries are already able to service their debt only by incurring new debt and cutting public spending for social security as well as other sustainable investments including sustainable infrastructure.

The fiscal situation of countries in the Global South will be further exacerbated by the global economic impact of the war in Ukraine, including higher interest rates, food and energy prices. The debt situation thus threatens not only the immediate recovery from the pandemic, but also the socially just ecological transformation. But measures taken by the G20 so far have failed to bring about any substantial debt restructuring and / or debt relief, and no further progress is in sight. The World Bank recently warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in the Global South if unsustainable debt is not reduced quickly and fairly.

The G7 finance ministers will meet from May 18 to 20. As a community of values, the G7 states claim a special responsibility for shaping a future of “prosperity, stability and solidarity”. During the German G7 presidency, “the major economic and financial policy issues of the coming years” are to be advanced. This also includes achieving sustainable solutions for critically indebted countries.

In what ways have the measures taken so far contributed to avoiding and solving the debt crisis in the Global South? What should the “strengthened implementation of the international debt strategy” envisaged by the G7 look like in concrete terms in order to facilitate sustainable solutions? What short- and long-term adjustments to the international debt architecture are needed? And what role for the G7 vis-à-vis the G20 and the UN?


Agenda

Welcoming

  • Dr. Klaus Schilder, MISEREOR
  • Dr. Kathrin Berensmann, German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE)


Keynote speech

  • Patricia Miranda, LATINDADD and international Co-Coordinator Civil7

 

Moderated panel discussion

  • Thomas Schäkermann, Multilateral Development Banks, Debt restructurings, Paris Club, German Federal Ministry of Finance
  • Marcello Estevão, Global Director Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment, World Bank
  • H.E. Dr. Walton Webson, Chair Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)
  • Dennis Shen, Director Sovereign and Public Sector, Scope Ratings
  • Prof. James Thuo Gathii, African Sovereign Debt Justice Network

 

Moderation

  • Kristina Rehbein, Political Coordinator erlassjahr.de

 

The event takes place in the context of the Civil7 (C7) and Think7 (T7) engagement processes in the context of the German G7 presidency 2022.


Hinweis / Please note

Während unserer Veranstaltungen werden z.T. Foto- und/oder Filmaufnahmen gemacht, die für Zwecke der Veranstaltungsberichterstattung und allgemeinen Öffentlichkeitsarbeit in verschiedenen Medien veröffentlicht werden. Sie haben jederzeit das Recht, die Foto- oder Videograf*innen darauf hinzuweisen, dass Sie nicht aufgenommen werden möchten.
 

During our events photos and/or videos may be taken which may be published in various media for the purposes of documentation and PR activities. You have the right at any time to point out to the photographer or videographer that you do not want to be photographed or filmed.

Event information

Date / h
19.05.2022 / 18:00 - 20:00

Location

Engagement Global
Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 40
53113 Bonn, Germany

 

Contact

Photo: Dr. Kathrin Berensmann Senior Researcher, Transformation of Economic and Social Systems

Dr. Kathrin Berensmann
Senior Researcher, Transformation of Economic and Social Systems

 

E-mail Kathrin.Berensmann@idos-research.de
Phone +49 (0)228 94927-194

Registration

Participation in person
Please register at buero@erlassjahr.de

 

Virtual participation
Please register here: https://misereor.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2at-xR5LSaKdzuNiuidpMg