Very Rev. Msgr. Prof. Obiora Ike, Founder of the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), Enugu, participated in a panel discussion on ethics and development cooperation held in Berlin, Germany, on 14 October 2026.
The event, titled “Was uns verbindet. Interessen brauchen ein Miteinander” (What Unites Us: Interests Need Cooperation), brought together prominent representatives of politics, churches and civil society to discuss the values that should guide national interests and international development co-operation.
Held at DATA Space, Rosenthaler Strasse 38, Berlin, the programme featured a 45-minute panel discussion titled “Was kostet Haltung? Laufen wir den politischen Narrativen hinterher – oder stehen wir noch für unsere Werte ein?” (What Does Standing by Our Values Cost? Are We Following Political Narratives or Standing Firmly for Our Values?).
Msgr. Ike joined other panellists, including Anna-Nicole Heinrich, Dorothee Klüppel, Niels Annen and Lisa Ditlmann of ONE, to explore universal values, political responsibility and international solidarity.
The discussion examined the growing pressure on international and development co-operation amid increasing emphasis on national security, economic interests, migration and geopolitical influence. Participants considered how to balance these priorities with the principles of human dignity, justice, solidarity, and international responsibility.
Msgr. Ike’s participation brought a faith-based and global perspective to the conversation, which explored how personal convictions and universal values can inform political decisions and international partnerships.
The event aimed to encourage a broader understanding of development co-operation beyond immediate national benefits, while recognising that legitimate national interests and ethical responsibilities can complement each other.
The programme was organised by the Center for Global Health Diplomacy, Friends of the Global Fund Europe and ONE Campaign Deutschland. It provided a platform for dialogue among political, religious and civil society leaders on the values that unite people across national and ideological boundaries.
News & Events
CIDJAP Donates Sienna Vehicle to Church for Community Care and Good GovernanceCIDJAP donates vehicle to the Church for Community Care and Good Governance during its 40th anniversary celebration, supporting community development initiatives.
Read more
Continuation of CIDJAP’s 40th AnniversaryCIDJAP concluded its 40th anniversary at Ofuobi, Enugu, celebrating four decades of service, education, community development, and support for vulnerable people.
Read more