Due to the very different political situations in the Ukraine, Zimbabwe and Germany, the participants in the conference have very different approaches to the involvement of civil society in political life. In Munich civic-participation is limited less by restrictions imposed by state authorities than by public apathy. This is in stark contrast to the experience in Harare, where political involvement of civil society is often considered as a direct threat by the state. Kiev presents a further contrast. In Kiev, civil society under the banner of the Orange Revolution, has already successfully asserted itself against a repressive state and is now fighting for the future development of society on a European model.

The conference offered participants the opportunity to broaden their horizons, get new ideas and encouragement for their own work and develop new perspectives. A further aim was to facilitate a long-term exchange of 'know how` and to found a co-operative network of civil-society activists in Munich, Kiev and Harare.  The interaction and synergies arising out of their respective experiences should help to create a long-term and sustainable structure.

On the first day of the conference, which was open to the public, guest speakers discussed from the podium both the situation in their homeland and the work they are doing there. On the second day, the participants in the conference were able to enter into a dialogue with each other and share their experiences. In theme-based workshops they discussed such issues as women’s rights, civil and human rights and the relationship between politics and civil society.

The City of Munich was organizer of the Munich Conference together with various Munich-based NGOs dealing with international development, and civil society initiatives working within the framework of Munich’s city twinnigs with Kiev and Harare.