The topical focus of the conference was on one of the essential elements of a successful civil society: volunteering. KAAD was represented by eleven scholars from seven countries (Egypt, China, Georgia, Kenya, Philippines, Uganda, Ethiopia), who each reflected on their own 'culture of helping' and brought this reflection as their contribution to the annual conference. One of the eight conference forums was organized by KAAD and its participants. Under the facilitation of Dr. Marko Kuhn , head of department at KAAD, scholars from Uganda, Kenya and China spoke about topics such as ‘White Saviorism’ and the dynamics of ('development') aid between the Global South and North. young people from Germany come to African countries. There was an intensive exchange with the Cusanuswerk participants, which also focused on their own experiences from voluntary services in the Global South.
In two separate meetings, the KAAD participants were able to reflect on these experiences and delved deeper into the topic of the conference. Differences in the culture of helping were also discussed, as was one's own motivation for volunteering. Together with about 700 Cusanuswerk beneficiaries, the KAAD group left the Netherlands on Sunday , with new friends, new inspiration and important insights.
