The industrialised nations have the ability and the responsibility to develop technologies that benefit others, said Angela Merkel. She also, however, called on international organisations to reform. In spite of the confusion in London, the Chancellor still believes in an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. These were the main messages of the Chancellor’s address in Davos.

Providing responses to climate change

In view of Germany’s plans to end the use of coal, gas will play a more important part in the decades to come, said Angela Merkel. Germany will continue to import gas from Russia, but possibly also from the USA and other countries. The country’s infrastructure will be developed in all directions. "If we end the use of coal and nuclear power, then we must say to the people in all honesty that we will need gas," said Angela Merkel.

Reforming international organisations

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the G20 have provided important help in mastering the financial crisis, said the Chancellor. But, we cannot ignore the legitimate interests of emerging Asian and African states. The new groups and cooperation arrangements that have been established are a clear signal and a wake-up call that demonstrates the need to change existing organisations and structures in the worldwide trading system.

Seeing Africa as an opportunity

The stability and wellbeing of people in Africa, our neighbouring continent, is particularly important for Europe, stressed Angela Merkel. The time has come, she declared, to see the continent less as a problem and more as an opportunity. With its steadily growing economic cooperation at international level, Africa is demonstrating the enormous potential it offers. The partnership with Africa launched during Germany’s G20 Presidency is an important step along this path.