Politician and speaker Christoph Heusgen

Christoph Heusgen

Topic

Politics

Job Title

Chairman of the Munich Security Conference | Former Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations | Former Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel

Location

Germany

Language

English, German

Why?

Christoph is best known for his role as the Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations from 2017 to 2021. Prior to that, Heusgen served as the Foreign Policy and Security Advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel from 2005 to 2017. His career also includes positions within the European Union and the German Foreign Office, where he has been involved in shaping Germany’s foreign policy and diplomatic strategies.

Speaking Topics

– Relations between the EU and major powers such as the United States, Russia, and China.

– Current global security threats and challenges.

  • Strategies for international cooperation in addressing security issues.
  • The role of international organizations like the United Nations in maintaining global peace.

– US 2024 Elections

– European Foreign Policy

– Middle East Policy.

– The security implications of climate change.

– Lessons learned at the United Nations.

– Human Rights and International Law

Expert Profile

Christoph Heusgen is a distinguished German diplomat and the current Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, a position he has held since early 2022. Prior to this role, he served as Germany’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from July 2017 until June 2021.

From November 2005 to 2017, Heusgen was the foreign and security policy advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel, heading Department 2 at the Federal Chancellery, which is responsible for foreign policy. This role made him a close confidant of Merkel, accompanying her on all international trips.

Heusgen’s career began after studying economics at the University of St. Gallen, Georgia Southern University, and the Sorbonne in Paris, where he earned his doctorate. In 1980, he joined the German Foreign Service. His early postings included positions at the Consulate General in Chicago and the German Embassy in Paris. 

Books Authored

Leadership and Responsibility: Angela Merkel’s Foreign Policy and Germany’s Future Role in the World (2023)