Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte on January 17, 2024, as we welcome His Excellency Andreas Michaelis, the distinguished Ambassador of Germany to the United States, for an insightful discussion on the Germany-U.S. transatlantic relationship and the multifaceted partnership between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Germany.
Program Partner
Why Attend? Charlotte, known for its dynamic business landscape, has forged significant ties with Germany, presenting ample economic and trade opportunities. Ambassador Michaelis will shed light on the existing collaborations and explore avenues for further growth between North Carolina and Germany. This event is a unique chance for business leaders, policymakers, and enthusiasts to gain valuable insights into the global partnership landscape.
Economic and Trade Opportunities: Explore the potential for growth and development in North Carolina through enhanced economic and trade relations with Germany. The Charlotte region is home to 200 German-owned companies, boasting 59 U.S. headquarters among them, and establishes Germany as the most prominently represented foreign country in the region. Supported by daily nonstop flights to Frankfurt and Munich and a vibrant German community, the alliance between Charlotte and Germany is robust.
Charlotte’s Connection to Germany: Discover the shared interests and collaborative efforts that strengthen the bonds between Charlotte and Germany. To symbolize the economic and cultural connections between Germany and Charlotte, a 7-foot tall Berliner Bear statue was installed uptown near the city library. These iconic bears can also be proudly spotted throughout the German capital, showcasing the enduring bond between the two.
Germany’s Relationship with the U.S.: Gain firsthand insights into the evolving dynamics between Germany and the United States and explore the current state of affairs. Germany stands as one of the United States’ closest allies in Europe, spanning political, economic, cultural, and security dimensions including its pivotal role in international organizations like NATO, the G-7, and the G-20.
Geopolitical Challenges in Europe: Delve into the ongoing geopolitical challenges in Europe and Germany’s role in supporting Ukraine, its perspective on the ongoing war in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas, and concerns related to the decline of democratic institutions and values in the region.
Future Outlook for the Euro Region in 2024: Hear about the Ambassador’s vision for the Euro region in the coming year and the implications for global affairs.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with Ambassador Andreas Michaelis and gain a deeper understanding of the diplomatic, economic, and geopolitical landscape between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Germany.
Program Information:
Date:
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Check-In and Pre-Lunch Networking:
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch & Presentation:
12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location:
Charlotte City Club
Directions to the parking garage (set your GPS to 116 W. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202). Parking will be validated.
Cost:
$50 (WACC Member Rate)
$75 (Non-Member Rate)
$35 (Young Professionals of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte — YPWACC)
$35 (WACC Student Member / WACC Educator Member)
- Please call 704-687-7762 for credit card payments over the phone.
- Checks can be mailed to “World Affairs Council of Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., CHHS 227, Charlotte, NC 28223.
Biography:
Andreas Michaelis has been German Ambassador to the United States since August 2023.
Previously, he served as State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin.
Andreas Michaelis joined the German Foreign Service in 1989. He served as Private Secretary to the Minister of State at the Foreign Office, at the Embassy in Tel Aviv, and subsequently held several positions in Bonn and Berlin including Spokesman of the Federal Foreign Office.
Michaelis then served as Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore, as Director for Asian and Pacific Affairs and as Director for Near and Middle Eastern Affairs and North Africa at the Foreign Office, before being appointed Ambassador to the State of Israel and then Political Director of the Federal Foreign Office. From 2018 to 2020, Michaelis served as State Secretary for the first time; from 2020 to 2022, he was Germany’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom; from 2022 to 2023 he again served as State Secretary.
Andreas Michaelis studied Political Sciences and Philosophy at the Universities of Hanover and Oxford.