Q Berlin: Conference of major cities discusses war and crises

For two days, the participants of the international conference Q Berlin will deal with globalisation, crises and the dangers to democracy.

In the former International Congress Centre (ICC) am Funkturm in Westend, topics such as the consequences of the war in Ukraine for the global peace order or the role of metropolises in overcoming global crises are on the agenda on Thursday and Friday under the title "The New Unknown - Navigating Zeitenwende".

Franziska Giffey and Anne Hidalgo to take part

Mayors of major international cities as well as representatives from politics, business, science and culture will discuss this. The conference is organised by the tourism company Visit Berlin and sponsored by the Senate. The host is the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Franziska Giffey (SPD), who has confirmed her participation for Thursday. So has the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo. Both will be on the podium on Thursday morning.

Up to 1000 participants expected

Giffey said she was looking forward to discussing with guests from all over the world at Q Berlin. "We are in a time of simultaneous crises, all of which also have a direct impact on our city." The conference will address questions, but also possible answers, she said. According to the organisers, around 800 to 1000 participants are expected to attend Q Berlin. It is the first event of its kind at the ICC in a decade. The building, which is now a listed building, is usually no longer used as a congress centre.