Event: From African mega dams to German motorways, 13 December – Berlin

In 2016, the G20 launched the Global Infrastructure Connectivity Alliance which would strengthen and link the master plans, such as the Juncker Plan in Europe or the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). The German G20 Presidency is expected to forge investment compacts with African nations, particularly to finance large-scale infrastructure projects. The major national, regional and multilateral development banks (including the recently created New Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) – all controlled by G20 member nations – are financing four infrastructure sectors – energy, transportation, water, and information and communications technology (ICT). Investment in these sectors are creating mega-corridors through sub-regions and between continents which are intended to facilitate trade and create jobs.

In Germany, a general toll for the up to now free and public motorways seems imminent. In order to scale up investments in infrastructure in the transport sector the German government is promoting the creation of an infrastructure company under private law to centralise motorway projects and attract private investments. For the first time, this would include investments from private insurance companies on a bigger scale. While this might –in the short term- look good in terms of public debt, it would require a change in the constitution. And it could thus pave the way for a broader privatisation of motorways, which is why the project is contested.

Infrastructure financing raises a wide set of issues relating to the environment, justice, development, and financial prospects. The hopes for progress in line with climate requirements via infrastructure investments are represented by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the members of the United Nations in 2015. At the same time, the negative impacts of large-scale infrastructure development are well documented (from dams and mines, to oil and gas, roads and ports). Therefore it is crucial to assess who benefits and who pays for infrastructure development. And, who eventually owns them.

A panel of experts will discuss the key elements of the global consensus on infrastructure investment as well as the drivers and implications of the consensus (e.g., affordability of infrastructure services; carbon intensity; fiscal impacts). Participants will explore the context of and linkages among the German, European and international infrastructure plans. They will also identify challenges raised by the consensus and proposals for civil society to address them.