"In appointing Daniela Schwarzer, ifa's Executive Board has chosen a personality who is highly recognised in the European and international context and has excellent connections, who can give new impetus to foreign cultural and social policy. That is crucially important, particularly in these times of global competition for reputation and influence. The Federal Foreign Office emphatically welcomes Daniela Schwarzer as ifa's President and thanks Ulrich Raulff for his commitment as President of the ifa and his impetus for the further development of foreign cultural policy", said Ralf Beste, Director-General for Culture and Society at the Federal Foreign Office.
Daniela Schwarzer said on her appointment: "The geopolitical upheavals that are challenging Germany also affect its foreign cultural and social policy. ifa is making key contributions in an increasingly difficult foreign policy environment. It opens up space for critical exchange and cooperation in art and culture, supports social actors in their commitment to human rights and democracy around the world and is responsible for two protection programmes. Through its credible perspective resulting from its own practice, ifa will also continue to make important contributions in the field of research at the interface of culture and foreign policy. With this research and through its international networks, ifa is an important actor in foreign relations. I very much look forward to supporting ifa in further developing its successful work in this honorary position, together with the Executive Board and the General Assembly."
Daniela Schwarzer is currently a full-time member of the Executive Board of the Bertelsmann Stiftung. Previously, she was Director and CEO of the German Council on Foreign Relations and Executive Director for Europe and Central Asia at the Open Society Foundations. Since 2021, she has been honorary professor of political science at Freie Universität Berlin and visiting professor at Harvard University. Daniela Schwarzer is regularly consulted as an expert and policy advisor. From 2020 to 2022, she served as special advisor to the High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission.
The President chairs the Executive Board and General Assembly of ifa, which is a registered association. The Executive Board sets the guidelines and priorities for ifa's activities and decides on plans and projects of particular importance. The office of President is an honorary position with a term of four years. The Secretary General manages the association's activities as the only full-time member of the Executive Board.
Petra Olschowski Member of the Landtag, Minister for Science, Research and Arts for the State of Baden-Württemberg: "Daniela Schwarzer has impressive expertise in the field of European and international policy and, with her extensive experience in think tanks and foundations and as an expert and policy advisor, she is the ideal person for the office of President of ifa."
Senior Mayor of the State Capital Stuttgart and Head of Division for General Administration, Culture and Law Fabian Mayer: "ifa has an impact not only on the image of Germany around the world but has also been firmly established in the cultural scene of the City of Stuttgart for more than 100 years. I am looking forward to the new impetus Daniela Schwarzer will provide for our city during her presidency."
ifa Secretary General Gitte Zschoch added: "As a cultural institution that operates internationally, we need to provide answers through our work to the challenges we are facing in the wake of the new geopolitical situation and attacks on the self-image of democracy. I am very grateful to the Executive Board, because its appointment of Daniela Schwarzer as future President is an excellent choice for ifa to do justice to this task: Her expertise in foreign and security policy, her international network and her experience as an advisor to political actors are a great asset to the ifa."
ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen works with partners worldwide to promote freedom in the arts, research and civil society by bringing people together who are committed to an open society. We give a voice to activists, artists and scientists, promote their collaboration and work closely with European partners to pursue our goals. Based on our core competencies in art, research and civil society, we build and foster networks to achieve a lasting impact. ifa is a registered association and is supported by the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany, the state of Baden-Württemberg and its capital Stuttgart.
ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen
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