On May 22, 2024, Global Neighbours hosted a luncheon at the China Club Berlin with Prof. Dr. Marcos Prado Troyjo, former Deputy Minister of the Economy in Brazil and Chief Negotiator for the EU–Mercosur Agreement. The event focused on dealing with a global state of “poly-crisis” and its accompanying trends and opportunities.

Prof. Troyjo highlighted the severity of current global challenges, including the most severe conflict on European soil since World War II, the most significant Middle East crisis since the 1970s, the rise of trade protectionism, and the shift towards inward-oriented industrial policies. He described the current Zeitgeist as adverse.

Despite the challenging global climate, Prof. Troyjo argued that Europe, Asia, and Latin America have immense potential to navigate and overcome the “poly-crisis” scenario. He shared insightful perspectives on the significant trends shaping a new chapter of globalization.

Critical trends discussed, each of significant importance, including the projected increase in the global population by an additional 2 billion people by 2049, the redrafting of global value chains, the new era of human talent development, and the potential rise of so-called “geopolitical swing states” such as Brazil, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE.

The following discussion among attendees delved into the future of Mercosur and EU relations, India’s evolving role, and the value-based international order.

Organizer: Global Neighbours GmbH/e.V.
Guest Speaker: Prof. Dr. Marcos Prado Troyjo
Date & Location: 22 May 2024 at the China Club Berlin

Images: Ravil Sayfullin – stock.adobe.com / Global Neighbours