As secretary-general and chairman of the executive board of the Goethe-Institut, I see my mandate as building cultural bridges and creating spaces for dialogue between different cultures. My work is shaped by the conviction that international cultural cooperation not only promotes understanding between nations but also helps to overcome global challenges. I am committed to ensuring that the Goethe-Institut acts as a platform for the exchange of ideas and values in troubled regions and transition countries, particularly in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. My aim is to anchor cultural and political debates on global issues such as sustainability, digitization and innovation – both in Germany and worldwide. My goal is to develop the Goethe-Institut into a future-oriented, digitally connected organization that adequately reflects the complexity of our times. For me, this means not just reacting to challenges but also actively shaping new forms of cultural cooperation that have a long-term impact. I firmly believe that culture is an indispensable force for peace, understanding, and social development.