The 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of GENA, held in Vienna, brought together members, partners, and industry leaders from across the ecosystem to define the organization’s strategic path for the years ahead. The event marked an important moment of exchange, renewal, and collective ambition.

 Strategic Direction and Roadmap

The AGM opened with presentations by Marcus Laube and Patrick Schuller, who shared an overview of GENA’s 2025 achievements and unveiled the organization’s strategic priorities and projects for 2026. Their insights set a clear direction focused on strengthening member benefits, fostering collaboration, and enhancing GENA’s visibility within and beyond its core network.

Driving Impact: Marketing Strategy and Visibility

Jaap Jan Nienhuis presented GENA’s marketing action plan, detailing initiatives designed to boost awareness, strengthen engagement, and grow the organization’s reach across the ecosystem. This roadmap aims to accelerate GENA’s impact and position it as a key voice in digital trust and interoperability.

Renewed Leadership for a New Chapter

Members also elected a new leadership team to guide GENA into its next phase:

• Chair: Christiaan van der Valk

• 1st Vice-Chair: Bengt Nilsson

• 2nd Vice-Chair: Kathya Peimbert

This new team embodies GENA’s global outlook and collective ambition. With their leadership, the organization is well-positioned to implement its strategy and deliver tangible value for all stakeholders.

 Working Groups and Panel Discussion

A key highlight of the AGM was a panel discussion moderated by Charles Hannigan, featuring insights from Chapter Chairs:

• Alex Pavel (Middle East)

• Enrico Liverani (Italy)

• Henrik Möller (Nordics)

• Richard Luthardt (VeR)

The discussion underscored the importance of regional collaboration and knowledge sharing within GENA’s network, reinforcing the organization’s collective strength. For the very first time we welcomed external participants to our AGM through this open panel discussion.

Finally, the event was captured by a professional videographer. 
A short clip produced by Jan Stergerits beautifully conveys the energy, collaboration, and enthusiasm that defined this year’s AGM. You can watch the video and relive the key moments from Vienna.