Aspen Germany Fireside Chat with Kimberly Marteau Emerson & Jutta Falke-Ischinger
Channel: Aspen Institute Germany
Date: 2021-03-23

On March 18, Aspen Germany hosted Kimberly Marteau Emerson (Board of Directors, Human Rights Watch) and Jutta Falke-Ischinger (Founder and Author) for a fireside chat under the headline “From the Center of the Nation’s Power: Diplomatic Experiences in Washington and Berlin”. Aspen Germany’s Executive Director Dr. Stormy-Annika Mildner opened the exchange by asking about the beginnings of their careers and the paths they have taken.

The conversation continued to evolve about their work alongside their spouses as Ambassador’s wife’s, in Berlin, Washington and London. Both advanced diplomatic initiatives in the cultural, economic, social and transatlantic spheres against the background of cultural differences which they had not foreseen in this particular way. They experienced and gained first-hand insights behind the scenes of international politics in times of crisis and tension. For example, Jutta arrived in Washington on 9/11/2001 and and lived through the aftermath and simmering transatlantic tensions whereas Kimberly suddenly found herself confronted with the aftermaths of the Handygate scandal.

In closing, both encouraged young people to listen to their hearts and act with their hearts: follow your passion – find your destiny!