Munich Security Conference 2023
The 59th Munich Security Conference (MSC) took place from February 17 to 19, 2023, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich. For three days, the MSC 2023 once again offered an unparalleled platform for high-level debates on the key foreign and security policy challenges of our time. Almost one year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the MSC 2023 also provided an opportunity to take stock of alliance cohesion and political commitment to the rules-based international order.
Under the new chairmanship of Ambassador Christoph Heusgen, the MSC once again welcomed a series of high-ranking international decision-makers and experts, including heads of state and government, ministers, and diverse voices from international organizations, civil society, the private sector and the media.
One year after the "Zeitenwende"
Russia's full-blown invasion of Ukraine, launched a few days after the MSC 2022, has been widely perceived as a watershed moment or "Zeitenwende". The brutal war has not only led to enormous suffering in Ukraine, but has also exacerbated crises in other parts of the world. What does the world look like a year after the beginning of the invasion? Is the war an indicator of a more violent world, in which impunity prevails, the strong do what they can, and the weak suffer what they must? Or can it be a catalyst for a global recommitment to a rules-based international order? These and other questions were at the center of the discussions in Munich.
In addition to the conference's main program, the MSC also offered once again a carefully curated selection of official side-events hosted by leading organizations from around the world. From the multitude of received applications for the available slots, the MSC ensured the best possible mix of themes, speakers, and formats.
Highlight Video from the MSC 2023
Munich Rule as Core Principle
As has been the case for the past six decades, the entire event and all its many components was governed by the Munich Rule: Engage and interact with each other: Don't lecture or ignore one another. Whether on or off stage, we encourage our guests to engage with and learn from each other and we expect all our speakers to stand ready to answer questions and engage with the audience at eye level.
The Munich Security Conference has championed diversity and sustainability in all their forms and stands ready to be measured against its very ambitious goals, be they gender parity amongst speakers or the inclusion of voices from the Global South.
