On Day 2 of the Transcultural Leadership Summit, our participants have the choice between many exciting workshops. Find out here which topics are offered by which experts.
Workshop I
Logistics and Supply Chain along the New Silk Road(s) | Prof Dr Michele Acciaro, Hapag-Llyod Center for Shipping and Global Logistics
The Belt and Road Project as one of the most ambitious Supply Chain Projects of our time combines the 21st century Maritime Silk Road and the Silk Road Economic Belt. Two of the five major goals are “facilities connectivity” and “unimpeded trade”. There is no doubt that this has huge implications for global logistics and supply chains. Infrastructure, connectivity and unimpeded trade mean that products can reach more consumers, more quickly and reliably. Michele Acciaro, Director of the Hapag-Lloyd Center for Shipping and Global Logistics at the Kühne Logistics University, who specialises in global logistics, sustainability and maritime business, will give us the chance to understand the implications of the New Silk Road(s) with an emphasis on relations between China and Europe.
Workshop II
Civil Society Along the New Silk Roads | Dr Rupert Graf Strachwitz, Maecenata Institute for Philanthropy and Civil Society
Over the past few years, Europe’s line of vision has shifted fundamentally: while for two or three generations, Europeans primarily looked west towards the United States of America, today they are increasingly looking east towards Asia, and in particular, China. The 1989/1990 transformation process has taught us that fundamental shifts are necessarily accompanied if not preceded by civil society action. It therefore seems inconceivable that such an iconic turn should happen without civil society being involved. And indeed, we are witnessing a mushrooming civil society as much as its ever stronger harassement.
The workshop will take the emergence of new silk roads, and the Chinese belt and road initiative in particular as a backdrop and discuss what role there can be for civil society in this process of realignment.
Workshop III
Geopolitical Implications of the New Silk Road(s) | Pawel Behrendt, Instytut Boyma Warsaw
The participation of 100 countries and 60% of the world’s population represents the omnipresent geographic impact of the One Belt One Road Initiative. In times of rising geopolitical tensions around the world, an infrastructure of this dimension forces us to take a closer look at the geographical and political implications. Participants and uninvolved parties along the New Silk Roads may fear that the geostrategic expansion of China’s power will bring political challenges. Pawel Behrendt from the Boyma Insitute Warsaw will give us comprehensive insight into his field of expertise. The first session of the workshop deals with crucial knowledge about Chinese foreign policy and Europe’s special geopolitical role.
In the second part of the workshop participants will discuss the aforementioned topics always bearing in mind the extent to which the New Silk Roads influence the geopolitical situation and balance all around the world.
Workshop IV
Chinese Investment in Greece | Polyxeni Ntavarinou, Association of SA & Limited Liability Companies
The Port of Piraeus near the Greek capital Athens is one of the main European points of intersection of the Belt and Road Initiative. It is the largest seaport in Greece and one of the largest in Europe. The Port of Piraeus receives much Chinese investment and is majority owned by the Chinese Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO). In this workshop, Ms. Polyxeni Ntavarinou will present important facts about Chinese investment in Greece, particularly in the Port of Piraeus and will discuss with the participants what impact this investment has for Greece and beyond Greece for Europe in general as part of the New Silk Roads.
Workshop V
Let us sail together! – an Artistic Approach to the New Silk Road(s) | Harald F Müller, Artist
This art project started with the title and question of the Summit: “New Silk Roads – New perspectives for Europe?”, and we invite all participants of the event to become part of our artistic journey – just as Ad Reinhardt stated: “Apart from the participants, there is no audience”. It is part of the architecture and philosophy of Zeppelin University to open new spaces and to invite people to shape spaces together. In this spirit, the art project is an openly designed process to explore the unknown together. Our campus is equipped with large blackboards. We will use these blackboards to display the incoming ideas and messages, including messages from folded paper boats, symbolising desert ships and caravans. The participants can send or write their input directly on the blackboards and connect different thoughts to create a bigger picture of our topics. Starting with the design of the interior walls, which calls for communication, this project is an invitation for active creativity and participation. As Albert Einstein put it “Creativity is contagious, pass it on”!
Workshop VI
Leadership and Transculturality | Dr Julika Baumann Montecinos & Tobias Grünfelder, Zeppelin University
This workshop is based on the assumption that transcultural leadership refers to the general ability to deal productively with cultural diversity, complexity and uncertainty. The transcultural approach focuses primarily on common potential and common learning processes. In an interactive and multi-faceted workshop session, participants will have the opportunity to explore this approach and to develop their own transcultural competence. The two workshop leaders, both certified intercultural trainers, combine their current research results with innovative training tools. The goal is to elaborate, together with the participants, what it takes to work together successfully in global networks like the New Silk Roads.