In a festive setting in the Europasaal of the Federal Foreign Office, the club patron, State Secretary Dr. Bernhard Kotsch, and WiB President, Karla Steinert-Thys officially opened the new club year on 22 September 2025. Both emphasised the importance of the club in fostering exchange and international understanding, particularly in today’s challenging global climate. WiB was commended as a forum for dialogue, promoting mutual understanding and tolerance. This message was echoed in a thoughtful speech by the wife of the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina and representative of the WiB Advisory Board, Ms Sanja Bagarić-Arnaut. She highlighted that friendship was the most meaningful souvenir diplomats can take home when they return to their home countries. 

The event was stylishly accompanied by Svetlana Lundgren (piano) and Peter Lange (cello), who performed wonderful pieces by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy and a tango by Carlos Gardel.

The newly elected WiB Presidium, along with the activity groups, presented a wide range of programme for this new club year. Beautifully decorated tables showcased the upcoming activities - an inviting opportunity to connect with the group leaders and discover new interests. At the reception that followed, the conversations between new and long-standing members continued in a  welcoming atmosphere - an ideal setting to spark ideas and make plans for new club activities.
 

Photos @ Cristoph Assmann.