Birgit Pickel

More than 25 years of experience in international cooperation, including more than 15 years in management positions. Regional focus: Africa; thematic focuses: global health, pandemic preparedness, sustainable economic development, climate and biodiversity.

Lived and worked in the USA, South Africa, Zambia. University studies: MA in Political Science; postgraduate certificate in Development Studies from the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS).

Current Position from March 2026: Director-General for Sustainable Development and Climate at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Position from February 2022 to March 2026: Director-General for Africa at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Previously: Director for Global Health, Pandemic Preparedness and One Health at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and, in that capacity, member of the Boards of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and of the Global Financing Facility, and Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Legacy Landscapes Fund.