Georg Lennkh (1939–2025) joined the Austrian Foreign Ministry in 1965. From 1968 to 1976, he worked in Tokyo and New York. In 1978, he became foreign policy secretary to Chancellor Bruno Kreisky and played a key role in the first global North-South Summit in Cancún, Mexico, in 1981. Between 1982 and 1993, he represented Austria at the OECD in Paris. After returning to Vienna, he headed the Development and Eastern Cooperation Section at the Foreign Ministry until 2004. From 2005 to 2010, he was Austria's Special Ambassador to Africa and from 2006 to 2010 EU Special Representative in Chad.
Georg Lennkh remained active even after his diplomatic career. As a board member of the Bruno Kreisky Forum and curator of the series “Africa. Dimensions of a Continent,” he deepened cooperation with the VIDC. Together with African associations and the VIDC, he also initiated the Africa Club in 2011—an informal discussion forum for people interested in African issues. At our joint meetings and events, he impressed with his profound knowledge and many years of experience. His openness and sincere interest in others made him a valued conversation partner.
Georg Lennkh was an exceptionally noble and sensitive person from whom we learned a tremendous amount, both personally and professionally. His loss fills us with deep sorrow. We will miss him greatly. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife and two children.