DAAD at the Munich Security Conference 2026

At the Munich Security Conference 2026 (MSC), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) reaffirmed its strategic role at the intersection of science, diplomacy and global security. The event brought together international leaders, policymakers and academic stakeholders, including high-level representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Science at the Core of Security and Global Influence

DAAD President Prof. Joybrato Mukherjee emphasized the growing geopolitical significance of science and research:

“Researchers and scientific leaders now stand at the center of national security and global influence. Science diplomacy is no longer just a bridge-builder; it is a strategic instrument of both soft and hard power. We must accept and shape this new reality, clearly define and communicate our interests, and build strong, strategic partnerships between politics, science, and industry. This requires clarity about where we stand, what we aim to protect, and how we intend to compete and cooperate. Only through coordinated action can we strengthen resilience, safeguard our values, and secure long-term prosperity.”

His statement underscores DAAD’s commitment to strengthening resilience, safeguarding academic values, and shaping responsible international cooperation in an increasingly complex global environment.

High-Level Dialogue: Bridges or Battlegrounds?

As part of MSC 2026, DAAD convened the high-level side event:

“Bridges or Battlegrounds? Science Diplomacy between Hard Power and Big Tech.”

The discussion explored the challenges of international research cooperation in security-sensitive contexts and addressed how science diplomacy can balance openness with strategic awareness.

Distinguished speakers included:

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN
Dr. Chi Onwurah, Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, UK House of Commons
Sorin Ducaru, Principal Advisor on AI and Emerging Disruptive Technologies, European External Action Service
Prof. Michael Hüther, Director, German Economic Institute
and other leading experts from international organizations, academia, industry, parliament, and civil society

The event was organized by DAAD, in cooperation with the Helmholtz Association, the German Federal Foreign Office, and the DLR Project Management Agency, as part of the official MSC 2026 program.

ASEAN’s Commitment to Science Diplomacy

The participation of ASEAN at this event highlighted the region’s increasing engagement in science diplomacy as a strategic policy tool.

During the MSC Breakfast Session on 15 February 2026, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn emphasized the evolving role of science diplomacy amid geopolitical competition, the growing influence of big tech, and complex global security challenges.

Importantly, he shared that an ASEAN Member State has expressed interest in establishing an ASEAN Science Diplomacy Centre. This initiative reflects ASEAN’s strong commitment to leveraging science diplomacy to foster cooperation, strengthen trust, and enhance regional resilience.

For DAAD Indonesia and partners across Southeast Asia, this dialogue signals expanding opportunities for collaboration between Germany and ASEAN in higher education, research, and knowledge security.

Promoting Knowledge Security through DAAD

As international academic cooperation becomes increasingly intertwined with security considerations, DAAD provides practical support through its KIWi Checklist on Knowledge Security. The checklist helps universities and research institutions assess and responsibly manage security-relevant dimensions of international cooperation.

Learn more about the DAAD KIWi Checklist on the official MSC website.