Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Key Takeaways From the Munich Leaders Meeting in Nairobi in October 2023
This debrief summarizes the key takeaways of the MLM in Nairobi. Four key dimensions emerged as building blocks of deeper, lasting transcontinental relationships: Ensuring a stronger African voice in the international system, forging mutually beneficial partnerships, delivering on international commitments and shared values, and translating words into concrete policy action.
On October 15 and 16, 2023, the Munich Security Conference (MSC) hosted a Munich Leaders Meeting (MLM) in Nairobi, Kenya. More than 90 leaders from over 20 countries, including 12 African states, representing governments, parliaments, civil society, the private sector, think tanks, and universities discussed how to develop a shared vision to advance the rules-based international order and bolster multilateralism. Finding common responses to global challenges as well as regional conflicts and their transnational implications was also high on the agenda. On issues such as peacebuilding and counterterrorism, food security, and the energy transition, the participants stressed the importance of balanced partnerships and that “African solutions to African problems” must be more than a slogan.
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About Debriefs
With its Debriefs, the MSC seeks to provide concise and analytical summaries of its most relevant events. Rather than providing a comprehensive overview of the entire event, they focus on key takeaways, highlight contentious or surprising points, and distil issues that merit further attention. They primarily capture the opinions and perspectives voiced by participants in the discussion and do not necessarily reflect the position of the MSC.
