World Trade Dialogue 2026 Paradigm Shift in World Trade: Transformation, Resilience & A New Era of Connectivity

28. April 2026 | 9:30 Uhr

Hapag-Lloyd AG, Ballindamm 25, Hamburg

Global trade is entering a decisive phase of transformation. Accelerating technological change, shifting geopolitical alliances, and the growing urgency of climate action are redefining how goods, data, and ideas move across borders. In this new landscape, resilience and connectivity have become the cornerstones of a sustainable global economy.

As supply chains are reconfigured and digital networks reshape commerce, both companies and policymakers alike face the challenge of balancing efficiency with security, openness with sovereignty, and innovation with inclusion. The rules and relationships that have governed international trade for decades are being rewritten, signalling not just adaptation, but a paradigm shift.

Initiated by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and Hapag-Lloyd AG, Germany’s largest container shipping line, the World Trade Dialogue Hamburg 2026 will bring together global leaders from business, policy and academia to discuss the impact of transformation, resilience and connectivity on the future of world trade.

Take advantage of this high-level platform to gain exclusive insights, form strategic alliances and discuss the way forward with key decision-makers.

Register now and join the discussion!

Speaker (extract)

Katherina Reiche Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy

Michael Aldwell EVP Sea Logistics, Kuehne+Nagel International AG

Prof. Laura Alfaro Chief Economist, Inter-American Development Bank

Dr. Welber Barral Partner, BMJ Consulting

Dr. Andrew Bernard Professor, Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth

Shania Bhalotia Doctoral Student, LSE

Dr. Sonali Chowdhry Research Associate, DIW

Nathalie El Bazzal Teaching Assistant in Economics, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

Oguzhan Erdogan Doctoral Student, University of Antwerp

Prof. Ann Harrison University of California, Berkeley

Rolf Habben Jansen CEO, Hapag-Lloyd AG

Lars Jensen CEO, Vespucci Maritime

Silke Lehmköster Managing Director Fleet, Hapag-Lloyd AG

© Christoph Niemann

Simone Menne President, AmCham Germany

Dr. Saskia Meuchelböck Postdoctoral Researcher, Aarhus University

Dennis Novy Chief Economist & Director of Analysis, FCDO;
Professor of Economics, University of Warwick

Claudia Oeking Executive Director for Political and Government Affairs, Airbus Germany;
Member of the Supervisory Board, Airbus Operations GmbH and Airbus Defence and Space GmbH