Stefano Manservisi appointed Chair of Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund

Geneva, 1 December, 2020 – Stefano Manservisi has been appointed the new Chair of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), the global fund for preventing violent extremism.

As Chair of the GCERF Governing Board, Mr Manservisi will represent GCERF in political and public fora and emphasise the importance of preventing and countering violent extremism for international peace and security.

Mr Manservisi brings extensive experience to the post with a long career in international diplomacy, security policy and development. Until 2019, Mr Manservisi was Director-General for International Cooperation and Development (DEVCO) in the European Commission.

The Executive Director of GCERF, Khalid Koser, welcomed the appointment.

“Mr Manservisi brings unrivalled political nous and depth of knowledge to the role. Having worked at the highest levels of the European Union, he is committed to finding solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges and will champion local communities as the strongest protagonists in preventing and countering violent extremism.”

Mr Manservisi assumes the post at the conclusion of outgoing Chair, Carol Bellamy’s term. Ms Bellamy has been Chair of GCERF since its inception in 2014.

Dr Koser thanked Ms Bellamy for her service and credited her with establishing a new multilateral development agency during a period of strong headwinds against globalisation and multilateralism.

“Under her leadership, GCERF has been an important advocate in bridging development and security and demonstrating that preventing violent extremism is a legitimate concern for the world’s governments,” Dr Koser said.

About GCERF

GCERF is the global fund for preventing violent extremism. GCERF finances locally-led efforts to curb radicalisation to violent extremism in Bangladesh, Kenya, Kosovo, Mali, Nigeria, the Philippines and Tunisia. GCERF has reached more than 1.7 million beneficiaries and is set to expand operations to Albania, North Macedonia, Somalia and Sri Lanka.

Media Contact

Yuko Narushima, Communications Specialist, Geneva +41 79 570 4056 or y.narushima@gcerf.org