German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to attend 2026 Berlin Global Dialogue at ESMT Berlin

As geopolitical tensions rise and major powers increasingly weaponize economic interdependence, markets, supply chains, and technologies are becoming arenas of strategic competition. Businesses face mounting pressure to enhance resilience, secure critical capabilities, and adapt to a rapidly shifting global landscape. Governments, meanwhile, must forge new alliances and redefine the relationship between economic strength and national security. BGD 2026 will explore how businesses and governments can recalibrate their relationship to enable effective decision-making in the new era. 

“In a time of geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation, closer cooperation between governments and businesses is more critical than ever. The Berlin Global Dialogue has become a key platform for international decision-makers. I look forward to discussing how we can strengthen partnerships and shape a resilient global economy together,” says German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. 

“This year’s theme marks a return to our founding mission: advancing the dialogue between business and government in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. We are delighted that German Chancellor Merz is attending this year,” says Lars-Hendrik Röller, Founder and Chair of Berlin Global Dialogue. 

Berlin Global Dialogue’s annual summits are attended by high-level decision-makers from around the world. Previous participants include President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as other Heads of State and Government, Ministers, and C-Suite Representatives from over 100 countries. 

About Berlin Global Dialogue

Berlin Global Dialogue (BGD) unites leaders from business, policy, and academia to develop joint 

solutions for the most pressing challenges impacting the global economy. Established in 2022, Berlin Global Dialogue emerged from the economic, political, and social realities of the twenty-first century as a new platform for a new era. Founded with the mission to strengthen the dialogue between different stakeholders, our annual summit convenes select high-level participants for candid exchanges in interactive formats that highlight diverse perspectives and facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration. Visit website.

About Lars-Hendrik Röller

Lars-Hendrik Röller is the founder and chair of Berlin Global Dialogue and a professor of economics at ESMT Berlin. He previously served as chief economic advisor to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and G7 and G20 Sherpa. Prior to that, Röller was the president of ESMT and chief competition economist at the European Commission. Throughout his academic career, he taught at INSEAD, New York University, Stanford University, and the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration.