Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has triggered what German leaders call a Zeitenwende, a historic turning point in European security and politics. Yet beyond rhetoric, what does this transformation mean for Europe’s long-term survival as a geopolitical actor? In this talk, Johannes Volkmann, a Member of the German Bundestag (CDU) and former chief of staff in the European Parliament, examines the implications of the Zeitenwende.

As global powers compete for influence across Africa, Europe faces a complex challenge: how to safeguard its southern neighbourhood while supporting African-led peace, security, and development. In this talk, Charlie Stuart, Senior Diplomat and Chief Peace & Security Advisor on Africa at the European External Action Service (EEAS), will examine the evolving dynamics of Europe-Africa relations, from security partnerships and migration management to strategic competition with China and Russia.

Did you know that nearly 8 in 10 people living in multidimensional poverty – 887 million out of 1.1 billion globally – live in regions exposed to climate hazards? The 2025 global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), released by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative and the United Nations Development Programme, overlays multidimensional poverty and climate hazard data for the first time. The report’s findings are clear – poverty isn’t a standalone socio-economic issue, but one which is deeply interlinked with negative climate conditions.

Coffee and Tea available in the Lecture Theatre Lobby from 9:30am, lecture begins at 10:00am.