BKMC Annual Report 2023

BKMC BOARD IN VIENNA
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©GEMS World Academy / Co-chair Ban Ki-moon, Sunny Varkey, Dr. Saima Rana and GEMS World Academy students.
BKMC VISIT IN DUBAI
On March 8, 2023, International Women’s Day,
Co-chairs Ban Ki-moon and Heinz Fischer and CEO
Monika Froehler convened the BKMC’s first in-person
board meeting in Vienna, Austria since the onset of
the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Board was warmly welcomed by H.E. Talal
Alfassam, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
of Kuwait to the UN in Vienna, who hosted an official
welcome dinner ahead of the meeting. Kuwait,
the Republic of Korea, and Austria have remained
steadfast supporters of the Ban Ki-moon Centre since
its inception.
During the official board meeting, CEO Monika
Froehler presented the BKMC’s programmatic activities,
covering, amongst other topics, climate change,
education, and women and youth empowerment.
As of that date, the BKMC had reached 900,000
people in over 60 countries, providing advice to
governments on the effective implementation of the
SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement. CEO Froehler
also highlighted the enhancements to the Centre’s
digital presence with the launch of a new website
and increased visibility in traditional and digital media,
marking the celebration of the BKMC’s 5 th anniversary.
Special Advisor to the President and Chair of the
Global Green Growth Institute, Dave H. Kim, joined the
board meeting to discuss Ban Ki-moon’s leadership
role in GGGI and its efforts to support inclusive and
sustainable economic growth in developing countries
and emerging economies. Updates on the progress
of the US Foundation of the Ban Ki-moon Centre
were provided by board members Kim Won-soo and
Monika Froehler, along with Kate Landon, Strategic
Engagement Director for the US Foundation in New
York.
The Board deliberated on strategic approaches to
promote the BKMC’s mission and vision, addressing
the ongoing international lack of leadership for the
SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement. Discussions
also focused on developing new programmatic and
funding opportunities for women and young people.
In January 2023, Co-chair Ban Ki-moon and CEO
Monika Froehler led a mission to UAE on climate
change, green jobs, and quality education. In Dubai,
they met leading educators, signed a new partnership
with Dubai Cares to empower youth for climate action,
and interacted with youth delegates at the biggest
Model United Nations in the region.
held discussions with different student groups and
teachers. The BKMC is grateful for the generous
support of GEMS World Academy.
Co-chair Ban Ki-moon and CEO Monika Froehler
visited GEMS World Academy in their capacity as
official ambassadors to the Model United Nations,
and they were warmly welcomed by the GEMS
Education Leadership, including Founder and
Chairman Sunny Varkey, Group CEO Dino Varkey,
and Chief Education Officer Dr. Saima Rana. They
©GEMS World Academy / Chairman Sunny Varkey welcomes Co-chair
Ban Ki-moon.
©BKMC - Martin Krachler / Co-chair Ban Ki-moon and Heinz Fischer, CEO Monika Froehler, and former COO Katrin Harvey at the annual Board
Meeting in Vienna.
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