After three intensive congress days, the 32nd German logistics congress of the Bundesvereinigung Logistik has come to an end. 3,226 participants from over 40 nations came to the annual meeting of experts from the occupational fields of logistics and supply chain management, which carried the motto "Eine Welt in Bewegung"("a world in motion") this year. Around 130 speakers spoke to the participants, engaged in discussions with them, conveyed information and gave them food for thought.
Federal minister of finance Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble holds his lecture on the opening day
The highlight was a lecture from federal minister of finance Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble on the opening day of the congress. Schäuble intellectually bridged between the European policy regarding the refugee crisis as well as economic- and financial-political questions. "Naturally, in Europe the same applies as in Germany: we need to help the refugees. Otherwise Europe would not be Europe. However, Europe and Germany can not provide this help infinitely. The people need to know who can stay and who cannot," said the minister. He clearly stated that the expenses linked to the large numbers of refugees are too large for those responsible to fight over. Other expenses need to stand back for the moment. And: "We will not invoke the black zero as an argument, when it comes to funding refugee aid." Schäuble emphasized that the European unification is not a means for increasing efficiency, but rather for limiting monopoly powers and securing freedom and the rule of law. An economically successful Europe could however contribute to organizing a world in motion.
The BVL set a special emphasis by awarding a special price for humanitarian logistics to the Bundewwehr, the Technische Hilfswerk (Technical Relief) and the German Red Cross for their special involvement and excellent logistical performance in covering the accommodation and care for the refugees flowing into Germany. As a guest for the presentation of the prizes, publisher dr. Auma Obama pleaded for an equal dialogue between indigenous people and immigrants. Integration, says Obama, should not be equated with assimilation.
Further highlights include awarding of the German price for logistics to the BLG Logistics Group and the trading company Engelbert Strauss, the awarding of young software engineer Dr.- Ing. Tobias Krühn with the logistical science prize, the appearance of the former US ambassadors John C. Kornblum and brigadier Michael Vetter, as well as the lectures by top managers such as Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard (Daimler AG), Dr. Stefan Asenkerschbaumer (Robert Bosch), Dr. Detlef Trefzger (Kühne+Nagel) and prof. Kaus Josef Lutz (BayWa AG). The final talk was by economist professor Hans-Werner Sinn, chairman of the Ifo Institute.
The 33rd German logistics congress takes place from the 19th to the 21st of October 2016 in Berlin.
The 33rd German logistics congress takes place from the 19th to the 21st of October 2016 in Berlin.