For 80 years, North Rhine-Westphalia has been synonymous with transformation and creative drive. From Germany’s industrial heartland, the state has evolved into a central hub for innovation, technology, and economic networking in Europe. Today, more than ever, the question arises as to what role North Rhine-Westphalia can and must play in a world marked by growing geopolitical tensions and profound upheavals.

Security has long been viewed in a comprehensive manner: it encompasses economic strength, technological sovereignty, resilient supply chains, and the protection of critical infrastructure, as well as social cohesion. North Rhine-Westphalia offers unique advantages in this regard: as an industrial hub, a driver of innovation, and an internationally connected economic region.
Together with our distinguished guests—Minister Mona Neubaur, Parliamentary State Secretary Sebastian Hartmann, Chairman of the Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee Armin Laschet, and Armin Papperger of Rheinmetall—we aim to discuss how North Rhine-Westphalia can strategically leverage its strengths to become a key player in the security architecture of tomorrow.

The focus is on three key questions:
How can North Rhine-Westphalia leverage its industrial and technological base in a targeted manner to support a comprehensive security strategy?
What policy and economic decisions are needed to strengthen resilience and capacity to act in a sustainable manner?
What role can and should North Rhine-Westphalia play in the security architecture of the future at the national and international levels?