KONstanzFERENZ
CONSTANCE CONFERENCE 2026
KONstanzFERENZ - Kick-off event
Date: June 6, 2026
Time: 10:00 – 14:00
Location: Stephanshaus Konstanz, Sankt-Stephans-Platz 39, 78462 Konstanz
Organizer: AWOLI e. V.
Constance becomes a place of dialog
On June 6, 2026, the KONstanzFERENZ – Hope, Change & Responsibility event series will open with a kick-off event at Stephanshaus Konstanz. The programme brings together social actors, migrant organizations and interested citizens to talk about opportunities, challenges and perspectives in the context of migration and global responsibility.
The event is divided into two thematic blocks and thus sets the framework for the entire series of events, which will continue in fall 2026.
Part 1: The regional association of (post-)migrant organizations introduces itself
The first part presents the Landesverband der (post-)migrantischen Organisationen Baden-Württemberg e. V. (LpMO-BW e. V.). The association represents the interests of people with a history of migration in Baden-Württemberg and actively campaigns for their political participation, cultural visibility and social recognition.
In addition to an introduction to the tasks and objectives of the association, specific funding opportunities through the LpMO-BW e. V. and other funding programs and partners are presented. This section is therefore aimed in particular at organizations and individuals who would like to expand their commitment or receive funding support for the first time.
Part 2: European perception of Africa – between cliché and reality
In the second program block, the event is dedicated to a central and often neglected topic: How is Africa perceived in Europe – and what political consequences does this image have?
The public perception of Africa in Germany and Europe is still strongly influenced by stereotypical and often problem-oriented portrayals. The media, education system and political communication often reproduce a one-sided image of the continent – as a place of poverty, conflict and crisis. This overlooks the fact that Africa is a continent with enormous cultural diversity, growing economies and young, dynamic societies.
The discussion will shed light on how this media and social perspective influences European Africa policy – and how individual African countries are developing in this field of tension. The aim is to initiate a change of perspective: away from a deficit-oriented view and towards a dialog based on equality.
Participation is free of charge and open to all interested parties. Registration is requested.
KONstanzFERENZ - New horizons for the Sahel region
Date: September 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Location: Cultural Center Constance
Topic: New horizons for the Sahel region – between hope, change and responsibility
An open forum for a region in transition
On September 10, 2026, the KONstanzFERENZ invites you to a full-day conference at the Kulturzentrum Konstanz. Entitled New Horizons for the Sahel Region – Between Hope, Change and Responsibility, the day will focus on a geographical and political area that is much discussed in Europe but often misunderstood: the Sahel region, in particular Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
The KONstanzFERENZ sees itself as an open forum for dialog and encounters – a place where different perspectives have their say and spaces for honest debate are created. Experts, representatives of civil society and people with a personal connection to the region will discuss, analyze and look for ways forward together.
Focus on political, social and cultural developments
The program includes lectures, panel discussions and open discussion rounds on the political upheavals, social changes and cultural dynamics in the Sahel region. The aim is not only to take stock of the current situation, but also to provide a differentiated classification: What are the historical roots of the developments? What internal and external forces are shaping change? And what role do international players, including European states, play in this?
The conference aims to build bridges – between local realities and global politics, between academic knowledge and lived experience, between Constance and the Sahel.
Hope as a starting point
The event deliberately has the word hope in its title. Because despite the enormous challenges facing Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, there are initiatives, movements and personalities who are advocating for just and sustainable change. These voices should be heard in Constance.
The conference is aimed at anyone interested in international politics, African studies, development cooperation or intercultural issues – and is expressly open to the general public.
Free admission. Registration is recommended.
KONstanzFERENZ - Closing event - New attitudes for a common future
Date: September 12, 2026
Time: 13:00 – 16:00
Place: Cultural Center Constance
Topic: The Alliance des États du Sahel and its relations with neighbors, the African Union and global partners
From knowledge to attitude: a paradigm shift is necessary
Two days after the major Sahel conference, the KONstanzFERENZ will conclude on September 12, 2026 with a focused afternoon event at the Kulturzentrum Konstanz. The focus will be on the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES) – the alliance of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger – and its relationship with neighboring states, the African Union and the international community.
The event takes a decidedly transformative perspective: it asks not only what is happening in the Sahel region, but also how we in Europe and Germany think – and should think – about it.
The Alliance des États du Sahel: Between the claim to sovereignty and regional dynamics
The three states of the Alliance des États du Sahel are undergoing a far-reaching political transformation process. By withdrawing from ECOWAS and realigning their foreign policy alliances, they have taken decisions that are the subject of controversial debate around the world. How should these developments be classified? What impact do they have on regional stability, the humanitarian situation and economic cooperation?
The event will shed light on these questions from several perspectives – including African voices, which are often underrepresented in the European debate.
Transformation of attitudes: Eye level instead of paternalism
A central concern of the closing event goes beyond simply providing information. The organizers are convinced that the necessary change lies not only in better knowledge about Africa – but also in a fundamental transformation of attitudes: away from paternalistic views and towards recognition, equality and shared responsibility.
This message is aimed at politicians, media representatives, educational institutions and civil society alike. A fairer, globally connected future is only possible if Europe is prepared to critically question its own role and its own blind spots.
Conclusion of the series – and the start of a process
The closing event is also the prelude to further discussions. The KONstanzFERENZ does not see itself as a one-off event, but as part of a longer-term process of learning, encounter and joint action. The results and findings of the three events will be documented and fed into future activities.
