The European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research announces a change in its management as of 1 March.
After ten years of dedicated leadership, Kai Leichsenring steps down as Executive Director of the Centre. Reflecting on his tenure, he states:
“Leading the European Centre for the past ten years has been a real privilege and the highlight of my professional life. Notwithstanding the many social, economic and health crises with which we were confronted during this decade, and during which social policies were – to say the least – under constant pressure, we were able to pursue our aims, to contribute to social policy research that is taken on board by policy makers, to build bridges with the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries, to present economically sound balance sheets, but also to support young researchers and scholars in building their career in applied social policy research and analysis.”
The Board of Directors has appointed Anette Scoppetta, previously Deputy Director of the Centre, as the new Executive Director. She will be joined by Sonila Danaj, Team Lead of the Employment and Labour Mobility Team, who has been appointed Deputy Director.
Looking ahead, Anette Scoppetta emphasises the Centre’s continued commitment to high-quality, policy-relevant research and to strengthening collaboration across Europe and beyond:
“As the new management of the European Centre, our aim is to build on our successful collaboration with the Board of Directors and National Liaison Officials, and to encourage further collaboration. The need to join forces to improve social policies has never been greater. Inter-sectoral action is in high demand, especially in the context of the triple transitions, to improve policy delivery. I am honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to bringing countries closer together in my new role as Executive Director of the European Centre. I envisage the Centre becoming the evidence-based hub for integrated social policies in UNECE countries.”
The European Centre looks forward to this new chapter in its development and to further advancing its mission of promoting social cohesion and well-being through research and international cooperation.
