German Institute for Global and Area Studies | Leibniz-Institut für Globale und Regionale Studien

GIGA Distinguished Speaker Lecture Series

The GIGA Distinguished Speaker Lecture Series sees the finest minds from academia and policymaking from around the globe join forces with the Institute, striving to stimulate public exchange on key global developments.

This series of lectures by top scholars and leading practitioners was initiated with funds from the Federal Foreign Office and inaugurated at City Hall by the Hamburg Senate. We look forward to continuing these important conversations with our esteemed guests in the years to come.

GIGA Distinguished Speaker Lecture Series | 12/09/2023 - 12/12/2023

Global Digital Transformation

The GIGA Distinguished Speaker Lecture Series brings leading minds from the realms of academia and policymaking from all over the world to the Institute to stimulate public exchange on key global developments. In 2023, we tackled the global digital transformation from diverse angles and offered innovative perspectives on this societal realignment. Upcoming next, 12 December: Prof. Dr. Olubukola S. Adesina will speak on "Digital Diplomacy and African Countries: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Prospects ".

GIGA Distinguished Speaker Lecture Series | 25/11/2021

Retreat from Afghanistan: What it Means for Regional and Global Order

The withdrawal of the Western forces from Afghanistan leaves behind a country in disarray and many open questions. Ambassador von Brandt, Prof. Dr. Mattoo, and Prof. Dr. Narlikar will discuss the range of competing interests and the impact of the developments on regional and global order. Video of event available.

GIGA Distinguished Speaker Lecture Series | 27/04/2021

Digital Diplomacy: Shaping Global Transformation

The German Federal Foreign Office has put forth a comprehensive digitalisation strategy. The GIGA is proud to bring to you the two senior diplomats in charge of this policy. In their lecture, Ambassador Dr. Regine Grienberger and Ambassador Dr. Hinrich Thölken will address urgent matters of cyber foreign policy and the hopeful promise of digital transformation. Video of the event available.

GIGA Distinguished Speaker Lecture Series | 30/06/2020

Geopolitical Implications of COVID-19

The GIGA is honoured to present to you a (virtual) GIGA Distinguished Speaker Lecture by NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg. He will speak on “Geopolitical Implications of COVID-19”. Video of the event availiable.

GIGA Distinguished Speaker Lecture Series | 04/02/2020

How to Foster Successful Interdependence of the Multilateral Trade System and Food Security

Minister Julia Klöckner gives a GIGA Distinguished Speaker Lecture in the practitioners’ part of the series. With her analysis of the pressing issue of food security for a growing world population, the Minister will share her insights on the state of multilateralism today. Video of the event availiable.