5. December 2024
Lena Zoller appointed Managing Director
On December 3, 2024, a formal handover ceremony took place at the Stiftung Weltethos (World Ethics Foundation): Lena Zoller was officially appointed as the new Executive Director, succeeding Dr. Stephan Schlensog, who built and shaped the foundation for nearly three decades.
A New Chapter
“Lena Zoller is an excellent and experienced long-time employee with extensive expertise. I am confident that she will successfully continue the work of the Global Ethic Foundation in line with its mission and in the spirit of Hans Küng,” said Prof. Bernd Engler, President of the Global Ethic Foundation, during the handover of the office.
Lena Zoller brings over six years of experience with the foundation and has established herself as an ambassador for the Global Ethic idea. The trained peace and conflict researcher (M.A.) was previously employed at the Baden-Württemberg Foundation for Development Cooperation before taking over the leadership of the Interreligious and Society division in 2018. With fresh ideas and new emphases, she aims to further develop the foundation’s work and increase its visibility.
A RETROSPECTIVE ON THE ERA OF STEPHAN SCHLENSOG
Dr. Stephan Schlensog shaped the Global Ethic Foundation for decades. His areas of focus included interreligious basic research, educational work, and the development of the Global Ethic theme. Since 1984, he worked closely with the foundation’s founder, Prof. Dr. Hans Küng, and was, among other things, co-editor of the 24-volume series “Hans Küng – Sämtliche Werke”.
“It was a privilege to bring this unique project to life. I am confident that my successor, Lena Zoller, will successfully lead the foundation with joy and continue Hans Küng’s important legacy with responsibility,” Schlensog said in his farewell speech.
CONTINUITY AND RENEWAL
Lena Zoller sees her new role not only as an exciting challenge but also as a deeply personal mission: “In a time when polarization and conflicts challenge our society, the Global Ethic project is more relevant than ever. It is important to me to make the foundation’s shared values and mission – the principle of humanity, dialogue, and shared responsibility – visible and effective.”
With this leadership change, the Global Ethic Foundation enters a new chapter. The partnership of Hans Küng and Stephan Schlensog laid the groundwork for the effectiveness of the Global Ethic idea. Under Lena Zoller’s leadership, the high quality of the foundation's work will continue, while new paths will be explored – with a clear vision, a passion for interreligious dialogue, and a deep awareness of the responsibility that Hans Küng’s legacy carries.
The Farewell Interview
In the interview, Dr. Schlensog reflects on his most formative experiences, the challenges and successes of the Global Ethic project, as well as his personal perspective on interreligious dialogue (in German).