Germany Calls for More Inclusivity at the Global Discussion Table

At the opening Plenary Session of the Lifelink Tertiary Model United Nations Conference 2026, Germany used a familiar Ghanaian image to make an argument about global cooperation: the trotro.

Delivering the bloc head submission for the Western Europe and Others Group, Germany’s delegate compared the international system to Ghana’s crowded public transport system, where people with different destinations and backgrounds still share the same journey. She said just like a Ghanaian trotro mate, there is somehow always room for “one more” voice, and “one more” opinion. The metaphor became a way of asking a broader question about international decision-making: who gets a seat at the table, and whose voices are actually heard?

Her submission, centred on the conference theme, “Expanding the Dialogue: Rebuilding Global Cooperation in a Fragmented World,” called for a form of multilateralism that does not require countries to agree on everything before they can work together.

As she said, “Multilateralism cannot mean simply gathering the countries who already think alike,” arguing that disagreement should not prevent countries, particularly those with less influence, from participating in global discussions.

For Germany, rebuilding cooperation therefore means creating space for countries to engage even when their interests and positions differ. The question is not whether disagreement can be avoided, but whether countries can continue talking despite it.

The trotro metaphor returned toward the end of the address.

“Do not close the door simply because the bus is full,” she said, suggesting that a crowded international system should not become an excuse for leaving voices outside the conversation.

As LTMUN moves from its opening speeches into committee debate, Germany’s message leaves delegates with a practical question: who gets invited to the global discussion table, and will they be given a genuine opportunity to be heard?

“One more voice, one more perspective. And one more opportunity to build a world that travels together.”

Osae Nhyira, Al-Jazeerae, International Press Corps (IPC), LTMUN 2026