Interview: Anja Olin Pape on Her New Role as Head of Programmes

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  Anja Olin Pape

  Head of Programmes

Lewis Day: Congratulations Anja. What are you most looking forward to in your role as Head of Programmes? 

Anja Olin Pape: Thank you. I am looking forward to focusing on the opportunity to deepen the foundation’s work. Especially at a time when questions around global governance and catastrophic risks feel more urgent than ever. There’s a growing recognition that our existing institutions weren’t built for the interconnected risks we face today. In this role, I look forward to, together with my colleagues, steering the work of the foundation towards long-term, systems-oriented solutions. While staying grounded in our commitment to practical partnerships and governance innovation.
 


Lewis: Where do you see the greatest challenges, and opportunities, when it comes to cooperation on global catastrophic risks?

Anja: One of the biggest challenges is political fragmentation. We’re living in a moment where trust in multilateralism is eroding, and international cooperation feels increasingly fragile. At the same time,we have cascading global catastrophic risks and challenges that demand action and new ways of thinking. There’s growing momentum to reimagine what global governance could look like, not just in terms of structures, but also in terms of values. I’m interested in the institutions and people working towards changing the current system and also those who are developing early-stage alternatives for the future.



Lewis: What role do you think philanthropy can play in all of this?

Anja: Philanthropy has a unique role to play because it can fund what’s not yet politically possible or market viable.  Philanthropy can allow us to take risks, support ideas that don’t yet have a constituency, and invest in relationships and processes that traditional funding overlooks. But to do that, philanthropy also needs to be willing to let go of control, to fund learning, iteration, and longer timeframes. That’s not always easy, but it’s vital if we’re serious about supporting real systems change.



Lewis: What motivates you personally to do this kind of work?

Anja: My background in civil society and government gave me a deep appreciation for both the possibilities and the limitations of the systems we’ve inherited. I believe that institutions must be better and increase their legitimacy. What motivates me is the belief that this can happen, that institutions can be better, more just, more inclusive, and more effective. It won’t happen overnight. But I think we have a responsibility to try.



Lewis: Finally, what are your hopes for the foundation’s work moving forward?

Anja: My hope is that we continue to provide a space where big, challenging questions can be asked, and where new ideas can be nurtured and tested. During the last decade our foundation has been focusing on improved governance for global catastrophic risks and we are happy to see that others are joining. I’d like to see the foundation deepen its role as a convener, a connector, and a thought partner in shaping the future of global governance. But most importantly, I look forward to continuing to support the many powerful movements and organisations out there, who are pushing for change every day.