Dr. Beate Wagner is a political scientist with a strong academic foundation in transnational relations. Her doctoral research focused on cross-border societal interactions as influential factors in foreign policy. This thematic focus has remained central throughout her professional career.
She began her career working for the Berlin city government, where she contributed to shaping European and international relations. Later, she supported a German-American journalist exchange program, helping to foster deeper European integration and revitalize transatlantic societal ties in the aftermath of German reunification.
For over a decade, Dr. Wagner served as Secretary General of the German United Nations Association. In this role, she built bridges between civil society and global policy discourse, facilitating mutual exchange and engagement. Her in-depth knowledge of the United Nations system and her extensive international network are key assets in her current position as Managing Director of the Global Young Academy (GYA). At GYA, she helps channel science-based policy advice on pressing global challenges—ranging from climate justice to sustainable agriculture—toward relevant UN bodies.
Since assuming her role in 2016, Dr. Wagner has brought a wealth of expertise in global governance and policy dialogue to the academy. In addition to her leadership responsibilities, she lectures in political science at Martin Luther University in Halle (Saale), Germany.