Forging a just global order

What does „justice“ mean in a global context? Does more development aid really bring more prosperity ? What are the most promising new development instruments? Participants from Africa, Europe, America, and Asia gathered in Cairo for the 130th Bergedorf Round Table, under the chairmanship of Former German President Richard von Weizsäcker and the moderation of Theo Sommer, Editor-at-Large of DIE ZEIT, to explore the question of a just world order. Analysts and policymakers debated the possibilities for globally valid minimum standards for justice, and whether absolute justice or acceptable compromises should be the goal in resolving political conflicts. What new ideas and instruments could lead to real progress in development policy, which, despite broad agreement over objectives, has been stagnating for years? These discussions focused on both the potential and drawbacks of public-private partnerships, micro-financing, and whether to decontrol or regulate global trade. Finally, the Round Table evaluated demands that we must never lose sight of the goal of justice, no matter how politically justified the search for security and stability may be – for instance in formulating policy towards undemocratic regimes.