PATRIR thanks Kai Brand-Jacobsen as he steps down as President of the Romanian Peace Institute, and looks towards our continuing future as a global institute advancing peace by peaceful means
After over two decades of unparalleled dedication and engagement in the Romanian Peace Institute – PATRIR, Kai Brand-Jacobsen is stepping down from his role at the helm of the organization. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for both the Institute and Kai, in a moment in which the world is experiencing a dramatic scale of conflicts and rising violence.
Kai Brand-Jacobsen’s influence and contributions have been nothing short of transformative. As one of the visionary founders of Romania’s first Peace Institute, he has worked with colleagues to grow PATRIR into a globally recognized organization, engaged in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and addressing critical global challenges. Under his leadership and working with an extraordinary and dedicated team, PATRIR became a beacon of hope and expertise, pioneering peace support that spanned conflict zones across multiple continents.
Over the last 23 years, PATRIR has engaged to advance authentic, lasting peace and social justice and tackle the root causes and drivers of violence in innovative, inclusive, and effective ways. At the heart of this work has been a commitment to strengthening our local, EU and global infrastructure for peace, supporting ownership by affected communities, and championing women’s and youth participation at all levels of peace processes and peace support. At home in Romania, PATRIR has tackled gender-based violence, strengthening democratic participation, fostering inclusion and so much more.
Throughout his tenure, Jacobsen instilled core values that have become the foundation of PATRIR’s mission: collaboration, inclusivity, and transformative action. His contributions have empowered countless individuals, organizations, and governments to envision a world where peace is possible. His leadership has taught us the importance of actively serving local communities, supporting peace workers and peacebuilding organisations around the world, and engaging with governments and international organisations to leverage global partnerships to create just and lasting peace. In both his work and dedication to servant leadership, he has modelled the vision and commitment to deep, practical engagement which defines PATRIR.
As we reflect on his extraordinary contributions, we reaffirm our continuing commitment to the path of PATRIR’s work in a time when it is so deeply needed in the world. While Kai Brand-Jacobsen is stepping down from the leadership of the Institute, PATRIR has a strong and vibrant team which will continue.
We thank Kai Brand-Jacobsen for his unwavering dedication and the legacy he leaves behind. Today, on the International Day of Nonviolence, and as we move forward, the Romanian Peace Institute will continue to work to build a world free from the devastation and horror of violence and war, and transforming the way the world deals with conflicts. Our determination to work for peace by peaceful needs in a world riven by escalating war has never been greater. PATRIR will continue to be part of humanity’s global effort to build a better future together – and to be the change we wish to see in the world.
Thank you, Kai Brand-Jacobsen, for 23 years of working as a colleague, mentor and leader who’s vision and commitment has created a legacy of lasting impact.
Warm regards,
The Romanian Peace Institute Team
