The former President of the United States, Barack Obama (57), speaks to the audience at the “World Leadership Summit” in Cologne this evening. Between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. he will lead a moderated conversation in Cologne's Lanxess Arena. 15,000 listeners await him. Recordings are prohibited in the arena.
As the organizers announced, the event is already sold out. The prices of the tickets varied between 90 and 200 euros. Visitors had to pay 5,000 euros for VIP tickets. The price includes participation in a dinner and a photo with Obama. 100 of these special tickets were given to guests of honor.
According to the information, the focus will be on the topic of good leadership. Barack Obama will not give a speech, but will have a conversation with other moderators. The US best-selling author John Strelecky, the Bonn entrepreneur Frank Thelen and the management trainer Sabine Asgodom will also take part in the interview.
Barack Obama and his companions will leave the American town at around 5 p.m. todaySecret Serviceland on the military part of Cologne/Bonn Airport. From there we go to the luxury hotel Hyatt Regency, which is located directly on the Rhine and has a wonderful view of Cologne Cathedral. According to Cologne police, no major traffic disruptions are expected.
It will be a short visit without an official part. The president will then fly from Cologne to Berlin and will answer questions from young people at a town hall meeting on Saturday (April 6). No further visits are planned on Friday before the onward flight to Berlin.