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Freedom and Unity in Times of Selfishness

30 years on after the fall of the Berlin Wall which was one of the happiest moments in our history: on 9 November 1989 at 11.30pm after tumultuous scenes the first turnstiles were lifted and the border between East and West Germany started to come down. By midnight all border crossings in Berlin were passable. The wall around West Berlin which existed since 13 August 1961 was the most frightening symbol of the east-west conflict. On 3 October 1990 the reunification was accomplished and the Former German Republic no longer existed. However discussions cannot solve divisions and whilst opportunities were seized, prejudice, fear, misunderstandings continue to exist as well as manifested political dissatisfaction. Chancellor Helmut Kohl used to say: "Long live a free Germany, long live a free united Europe."Where do we stand today with Germany and Europe in relation to unity?The following personalities discuss this question:

Michail Gorbatschow

As a former world leader, Mikhail Gorbachev is one of the most respected political figures in the international arena. His attempts at reform helped to end the Cold War, and also ended the political supremacy of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and dissolved the Soviet Union. His wealth of knowledge affords him an exclusive position to offer insights into the importance of strong leadership and decision-making, about the social, economic and political fallout of climate change.He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990.

Joschka Fischer

Former Foreign Minister and Vice-Chancellor (Germany). Thanks to his extensive experience as the voice and as a decision maker in politics, Joschka Fischer gives not only an insight into the tendencies of international political developments and the socio and business scene, but also demonstrates what it takes to successfully negotiate on the international platform. His leadership skills and his outstanding rhetoric qualities have made him one of the most requested political speakers across the globe.

Dr. Klaus von Dohnanyi

Former Federal Minister of Education & Resarch & First Mayor of Hamburg, leading Politician and Authority on European and Global Affairs. After the fall of the Berlin Wall and with German unification, Klaus von Dohnanyi became involved with the restructuring programme in East Germany. He speaks on a variety of subjects and his knowledge of European and global affairs, together with his understanding of their direction and consequences, have made him a much sought after speaker

Dr. Gregor Gysi

Dr. Timothy Garton Ash

internationally acclaimed historian, commentator and best-selling author whose work focuses on Europe since 1945. Having charted the spectacular transformation of Europe over the last quarter century, his current work focuses on the emerging geopolitical triangle between Europe, the United States and Asia and on how we can avoid a “Clash of Civilizations” with Islam.Timothy features in Time magazine's list of the worlds 100 most influential people and is a compelling speaker.

Hans-Ulrich Jörges

Hans-Ulrich Jörges is one of the most famous political journalists in Germany. From September 2007 to June 2017 he was a member of the editorial board of the magazine Stern and editor-in-chief for special tasks of the publishing house Gruner + Jahr. Jörges has a very strong media presence, enriches every political discussion, is a much cited columnist and a polished opinion maker