Jens Stoltenberg.Photo: securityconference.
Jens Stoltenberg, Norway’s long-time political leader and NATO Secretary General, will become the new chairman of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) at the conclusion of the 61st conference in February 2025. Stoltenberg will succeed Ambassador Christoph Heusgen, who has chaired the conference since 2022. This was reported by the MSC press service.
International experience and achievements of Stoltenberg
Jens Stoltenberg is a well-known figure on the world political stage. After 10 years as NATO Secretary General (2014-2024) and decades of service in the Norwegian government, including two terms as Prime Minister, he has gained international recognition. He has also served as the UN Special Envoy for Climate Change and has received a number of international awards, including the US Medal of Freedom.
Commenting on his appointment, Stoltenberg said: “I have dedicated my life to the preservation of peace. The Munich Security Conference is one of the most important platforms for promoting dialogue and international cooperation. It is a great honour for me to lead this important forum and to contribute to its mission of securing peace through dialogue.”
Support from the MSC board of founders
Wolfgang Ischinger, President of the MSC Founding Board, praised Stoltenberg’s appointment: “His worldwide recognition and longstanding experience in security issues make Jens Stoltenberg the ideal candidate to lead the conference. His knowledge and leadership will help the conference to become even more globally relevant.”
Results of the chairmanship of Christoph Heusgen
Ambassador Christoph Heusgen, the outgoing Chair of the MSC, summarised his achievements: “In these three years, we have organised outstanding conferences, opened up the MSC to the Global South, achieved gender equality among participants and increased the engagement of the younger generation. I am proud that my team has implemented projects such as the Women Parliamentarians Programme and Zeitenwende on Tour, which has contributed to the security policy debate across Germany.”
Wolfgang Ischinger will remain President of the MSC Foundation Board, and former OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid will continue to serve as his deputy.
