Polish diplomat Beata Stoczyńska appointed Managing Director of ASEF, marking a historic first for the organization.
Ambassador Beata Stoczyńska, Poland’s candidate, has been confirmed as the new Managing Director of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) by its Board of Governors during the meeting of member states’ representatives on July 11-12. She will succeed Ambassador Toru Morikawa this fall, marking the first time a woman and a Pole has held this position.
Deputy Director Appointment
Zhang Lei, representing China, has been appointed as her Deputy. The leadership change follows ASEF’s tradition of rotating leadership between Asia and Europe every four years. Stoczyńska’s selection came after competing with a Hungarian candidate within the European group.
ASEF’s Mission and Background
ASEF, the sole permanent institution under the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), aims to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between Asia and Europe. Founded in 1997 and based in Singapore, ASEF conducts projects in culture, economy, education, governance, media, sustainable development, and public health. Poland has been a member since 2004.
Stoczyńska’s Experience
Ambassador Stoczyńska brings extensive diplomatic experience in the Asia-Pacific region to her new role, which promises to further strengthen ties between the two continents.