Anja Olin Pape appointed new Executive Director of GCF

The board of the Stockholm-based Global Challenges Foundation (GCF) has appointed Anja Olin Pape as its new Chief Executive. She started the new role on 1 July 2026, following six years with the foundation, most recently as Head of Programmes.

Anja Olin Pape has extensive experience of international cooperation, democracy and development issues. During her time at the Global Challenges Foundation, she has led the foundation’s work to strengthen the UN’s capacity to manage global disaster risks and has contributed to building an extensive network of researchers, civil society organisations, decision-makers and international partners.

“Anja’s in-depth knowledge of the GCF’s work, combined with her broad experience of international processes, makes her a natural choice to lead the foundation forward,” says Jan Andersson, Chair of the Board. We are delighted that she is now taking up the post of Chief Executive and look forward with confidence to the Foundation’s continued work to improve our ability to manage the most pressing global risks of our time.

“At a time when global disaster risks are on the rise, whilst international cooperation is under severe strain, it feels both important and inspiring to be leading the Global Challenges Foundation” says Anja. “Our mission is to contribute to stronger international cooperation, a common set of rules, and institutions capable of managing the risks that no single country can tackle on its own. László was in many ways a pioneer, and I look forward to leading the Foundation’s work in his spirit.”

The GCF was founded in 2012 by the investor and author László Szombatfalvy with the aim of improving global governance of the global risks threatening humanity. These include climate change, biodiversity collapse, nuclear weapons and AI. This is currently achieved through collaboration with and support for relevant organisations and change-makers, as well as by stimulating research and debate.

Anja is available for interviews. Please feel free to contact the Foundation’s communications officer: [email protected].