Meet the Team

I am Paul, a second-year Liberal Arts and Sciences student at the University College Freiburg, majoring in Governance. My academic interests focus particularly on geopolitics, with another core interest in economics. GAD's diverse event series provides an ideal platform to engage with these topics through direct dialogue between experts and students, allowing for interesting discussions of current political developments. The exchange of perspectives and ideas in our panels and conferences is what makes this project special as well as the endless possibilities to organize fascinating events without any restrictions.

Together with Nils, I serve as co-coordinator of the GAD team, connecting the work of our different task groups to create impactful events and meaningful discussions.

doing GAD!

My name is Ana-Sophia. I am in my second year of the four-year BA programme Liberal Arts and Sciences with a focus on Governance at the University College Freiburg.

In pursuing peace and mutual understanding on a personal and professional level, I believe transparent communication to be essential for cooperation. My academic learning process is motivated by my wish to contribute to respectful and sustainable relations within Germany, the EU, and between the EU and non-European societies across the globe. The raison d’être for a state lies in its responsibility to ameliorate life for its citizens and the environment. The maintenance of peace between states requires a fair share of making demands and concessions. Putting the peace-keeping potential of democratic organizations into practice lies in the hands of our generation. As part of GAD, I want to further develop my ability to mediate between different opinions - a passion that I have been able to cultivate through years of engagement in international environments. 

My position in the Committee of Outreach allows me to practice the soft skill of identifying and contacting suitable experts who are willing to share their perspectives on our leading topic of “Division and Polarisation”. I am open to the lessons this position will expose me to and excited for new inspirations to arise. 

Hello, my name is Anna-Sophie, and I am a junior in my second year as an international student through the Academic Year in Freiburg study abroad program. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in German Studies alongside certificates in Business, Environmental Studies, and Digital Media Analytics. My academic and professional background reflects a passion for cross-cultural collaboration, sustainability, and the intersection of technology and communication. 

My responsibilities are within the outreach committee in Global Affairs in Dialogue. I look forward to coordinating the attendance of public speakers to facilitate impactful discussions and foster varying perspectives on the conference objectives. 

My name is Kristina, and I am a second-year LAS student, with Governance as my major. As I am deeply passionate about international relations, I'm thrilled to be part of Global Affairs in Dialogue. Our project's focus on polarization and division in Europe is both opportune and compelling, and it's precisely the kind of complex challenge that drew me to study political science in the first place. My academic interests have been shaped by a critical approach to understanding global dynamics, with a focus on post-colonial perspectives that reveal the intricate structures underlying international relations. This year's topic speaks directly to those interests, offering an opportunity to explore the nuanced forces driving societal divisions in Europe.

What makes Global Affairs in Dialogue so exciting is its unique format. We are not simply observers, we are active participants creating a bridge between academic expertise and student perspectives. I'm particularly motivated by the chance to learn from experts while also bringing fresh, critical perspectives to the conversation. Therefore, we have the chance to develop a deeper, more empathetic understanding of the political dynamics that shape our world. For me, also by being part of the Committee of Outreach, this project represents an opportunity to contribute to meaningful dialogue, challenge existing narratives, and work towards a more nuanced understanding of political divisions.

doing GAD!

doing GAD!

My name is Sara. I am a second-year student at Sciences Po Grenoble, currently pursuing this academic year within the Liberal Arts and Sciences Studies program at UCF, as part of an Erasmus exchange. Passionate about international relations, democratic institutions, and global governance, I actively engage in initiatives aligned with my aspirations.

Joining GAD represents, in my view, the ideal starting point for a commitment that aligns with my professional ambitions and desire for intellectual growth. The association, through its mission to analyze the complex dynamics of the international political landscape, fully reflects my values and interests.

As the Communications Manager of Global Affairs in Dialogue, I work to promote the association's activities, enhance the visibility of its events, and contribute to its influence. To me, Global Affairs in Dialogue embodies the very essence of exchange and reflection—essential tools for a deeper understanding of global challenges.

doing GAD!

doing GAD!

doing GAD!

Dr. Stoyan Panov has acted as an academic supervisor and mentor of Global Affairs in Dialogue since its establishment (as the Global Order Project) at UCF in 2015.