A three-day, high-caliber program combining professional exchange with cultural highlights provided many opportunities for networking and strengthening connections. The event kicked off on Friday evening with the Soirée Consulaire at the French Embassy, where H.E. Ambassador François Delattre welcomed guests and expressed his appreciation for the voluntary work of the more than 450 honorary consuls currently accredited in Germany. Around two-thirds of the consular missions in Germany are run on a part-time or voluntary basis by selected and independent individuals – mostly in management positions – who, thanks to their activities, have long-standing networks both in their home country and in their country of assignment.  CCD President Prof. Dr. Roderich C. Thümmel welcomed over 70 honorary consuls from all over Germany, as well as the ambassadors of Costa Rica, Iceland, and Malta. “It is a very special honor and, above all, an important sign of international understanding in action that the CCD is able to host its Soirée Consulaire at the French Embassy in the year of its 30th anniversary,” said the president in his speech. Dinner speaker Dr. Stefan Wolf, President of the Gesamtmetall employers' association, provided information on the current situation of Germany as a business location. Due to international influences, new technological developments in the world of work, but also years of neglect by German politicians, companies in Germany are currently facing enormous challenges. However, a look at German history shows that difficult times can be overcome with entrepreneurial thinking and action. The dinner was accompanied by musical performances by the Jazz Royal Duo with Kenneth Berkel on piano and Hendrik Nehls on double bass. At the 29th general meeting on Saturday morning, Prof. Dr. Roderich C. Thümmel, who has been president of the CCD since 2022, was confirmed in office and unanimously re-elected for another three-year term. After an early dinner in the restaurant of the Berlin TV Tower, guests enjoyed classical high culture with Giuseppe Verdi's comic opera “Falstaff” at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden. On Sunday morning, the delegation was welcomed to the Berlinische Galerie by Director Dr. Thomas Köhler, who gave them a tour of the building and the exhibition. Dr. Köhler provided expert information on the history of the museum, which was founded in 1975 as a private association. All in all, it was a high-caliber program with a successful mix of work and relaxation, excellently selected and organized by Stephanie Bucksch and Simone Reiser.