Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been appointed co-chair of the newly formed North-South Commission to tackle global inequality.

Former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has assumed a new role as co-chair of the North-South Commission, a global initiative aimed at addressing pressing issues such as poverty and hunger. The commission, established by the German government, was officially unveiled at the ongoing Sustainability Conference in Hamburg, which has drawn 1,600 participants from 110 countries, including leaders from politics, business, and academia.

Scholz will share leadership responsibilities with Laura Chinchilla, the former president of Costa Rica. The commission comprises around 20 members, predominantly from nations in the Global South, and seeks to foster international cooperation on development issues. Scholz, who remains a member of the German Bundestag representing his Hamburg constituency, emphasized the need for systemic changes in global trade. He argued that countries should be empowered to process their own raw materials to generate greater economic value.

During the commission’s inaugural session, Scholz highlighted the severe debt burdens faced by many countries, which hinder their ability to invest in sustainable development. His co-chair, Chinchilla, underscored the lack of opportunities for young people in the Global South, calling for urgent action to address this growing challenge. The commission’s work is inspired by a similar initiative launched in the 1970s by former German Chancellor Willy Brandt, which sought to bridge the economic divide between the Global North and South.

The North-South Commission aims to build on this legacy by proposing actionable solutions to global inequality. Scholz’s appointment comes after his tenure as Germany’s chancellor ended following the last federal election, when he was succeeded by Friedrich Merz. Despite stepping down from the chancellorship, Scholz has remained active in German politics and is now poised to make a significant impact on the international stage through his new role.

The Sustainability Conference, where the commission was introduced, serves as a platform for dialogue on global challenges, including climate change, economic disparity, and sustainable development. Scholz’s call for a fairer global trade system and Chinchilla’s focus on youth opportunities signal the commission’s commitment to addressing the root causes of inequality. As the world grapples with interconnected crises, the North-South Commission’s work could play a pivotal role in shaping a more equitable future.