Go back

Annika Söder elected as President of EIP

12/07/2019

The European Institute of Peace (EIP) is delighted to announce that Annika Söder has been elected as President of its Board of Governors. She is succeeding Pekka Haavisto who stepped down as President of the Board of Governors following his nomination as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland in June. EIP is grateful to Mr Haavisto’s valuable contributions as President and looks forward to working with him.

Annika Söder has a long and distinguished career as a diplomat and politician, and a strong track record in crisis management, political negotiations as well as mediation. Ms Söder currently serves as State Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Previously, she served in the Swedish Government offices as State Secretary for International Development Cooperation, spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, and as foreign policy advisor to the Prime Minister and several foreign ministers. In addition, she has senior management experience from the UN system as well as from the NGO community.

EIP is an independent body that partners with European States and the EU to craft strategies and effective approaches to conflict prevention, resolution, dialogue and mediation. Its purpose is to protect and improve the lives of people experiencing, at risk of, or recovering from violent conflict. The Institute’s work is guided by states that share a common commitment to human rights and to European values in reducing violence and promoting a global peace agenda.

Now five years old, EIP is active in 15 countries in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. “This is great news” said EIP’s Executive Director, Michael Keating. “Annika has been a true friend and supporter of the Institute for many years. Her commitment, drive and experience are unparalleled. She will help the institute achieve even greater impact in preventing and resolving conflict.”