Hosted by:
Deutsch-Kanadische Gesellschaft e.V. (German-Canadian Society)

In cooperation with:
Embassy of Canada to Germany

Welcome remarks by:

John Horgan, Ambassador of Canada to Germany

The upcoming 2024 edition of Forum @ Kanada Haus, to be held on May 28th, 2024, promises to be an insightful gathering, honing in on a pressing issue for both Canada and Germany, as well as many other nations – global supply chains. Against the backdrop of a post-COVID era and swiftly shifting trade dynamics, this conference emerges as a platform to discuss geopolitical challenges, innovative solutions, and navigate the intricacies of the Supply Chain Act to meet sustainability targets.

Thematic outline

Session 1: Are global supply chains about to snap?
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns brought the fragility of global supply chains into sharp relief and revealed the risks that interconnected economies present in some sectors. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – as well as the current geo-political and economic dynamic in the Red Sea – have further underlined how supply dependencies create global vulnerabilities. Chinese dominance in certain global resource markets, including critical minerals and rare earths, raises more questions around how this control can be leveraged politically and economically. What is the next emerging issue that will generate the next set of supply risks? And how, after decades of globalization and economic integration, can countries best pursue an economic security agenda?

Session 2: Is „friendshoring“ the solution to fix the fragile supply chain links?
De-risking supply chains needs to happen at many levels. At the political level, it requires strengthening existing like-minded alliances, and forming new ones. At the company level, it requires to rethink where materials are sourced, and a more thorough assessment of the geopolitical and climate-related risks connected to those markets. How can we ensure a steady supply of inputs and materials required to fuel industrial growth and adapt to new realities? What levers can governments use to mitigate economic risk and safeguard national security, i.e. regulations introduced by the EU, Germany and Canada on supply chains? What must companies do to reduce their supply chain risks?

Session 3: Are supply chain solutions a new early warning system of impeding supply chain risk?
Supply chain challenges and vulnerabilities require innovative solutions. In particular, supply chain visibility and traceability continue to be pressing issues for the business community. From the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, to new „supply chain due diligence“ regulations in the EU, Germany, and Canada, to the increasing desire to innovate and reduce carbon emissions, traceability will remain high on the agenda for years to come. What is traceability? How is it best implemented and what is the ROI on building this capability? Conversely, what are the risks for companies that do not invest adequately in this area?

Please consult the event website for updates on confirmed speakers: https://www.dkg-online.de/programme/forum-kanada-haus-berlin/

All attendees must complete a security check and entry will only be granted with a valid government-issued photo ID. Large bags or backpacks are not permitted for security reasons. To ensure this event is as inclusive and accessible as possible, please let us know if you have any accommodation needs.

Please note that pictures will be taken during the event that will be used for communication purposes (e.g. social media posts).

Out of respect for the other participants’ health, please do not attend if you feel unwell.

FORUM @ KANADA HAUS BERLIN.