Christine M. Merkel is an expert in international relations, strategy development, and public policies in the fields of arts, media, and culture. With over 20 years of international experience, she has advised governments and parliaments on policy analysis, project management, and human development.
Her expertise includes leading technical assistance and cooperation projects across diverse regions and countries, including Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Senegal, South Africa, Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Turkey, Romania, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. She has also undertaken regional assignments, such as MENA initiatives (2012–2018) and the SouthMedCV program (2015–2018).
As a member of UNESCO’s Expert Facility, Christine served as Senior Government Adviser for Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria (2016–2020). She has authored approximately 60 publications, notably contributing media diversity chapters to UNESCO’s Global Reports Re|Shaping Cultural Policies (2015, 2018).
From 2002 to 2021, Christine headed the Division for Culture, Communication, and Memory of the World at GCU. In this role, she participated in global conferences (including Convention Bodies and the Internet Governance Forum), coordinated programs and expert networks, and liaised with seven national ministries and 16 state-level authorities. She also convened civil society consultations for the Quadrennial Periodic Reports (2012, 2016, 2020).
Christine holds an Advanced Diploma in IT Systems, Analysis, and Design from the University of Oxford, as well as a Higher Diploma in Psychology from the University of Freiburg. Most recently, she co-authored the EU Open Method of Coordination Group report on sustainable development and culture, titled Stormy Times. Nature and Humans: Cultural Courage for Change.