GAM 2025: Delivering Expertise for Social Policy and Research in the UNECE Region
The European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research held its 51st General Assembly Meeting (GAM) on 22 and 23 October 2025 at the United Nations Office at Vienna, bringing together Board Members, National Liaison Officials (NLOs), and experts from across Europe and beyond.
The meeting was opened by Andreas Schaller on behalf of the Austrian Federal Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, followed by welcoming remarks from Executive Director Kai Leichsenring and Deputy Director Anette Scoppetta. The GAM 2025 was themed “Delivering expertise for social policy and research in the UNECE Region”. The first day was dedicated to Perceptions and concepts by member states that were represented by Board Members and National Liaison Officials. Presentations on recent activities and findings in the Centre’s key areas of expertise – Ageing & Long-Term Care, Social Inclusion and (Child) Poverty, and Temporary Migration & Labour Mobility – gave rise to debates about how these findings could lead to mutual learning among member states.
Day 2 showcased the Centre’s expertise in collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders—from EU institutions to national ministries—and in building bridges within the UNECE region. The discussions concluded with a forward-looking round table on “Expertise for social policy governance – Expectations and aims for the future”.
This year’s meeting was particularly special as it marked the final GAM with Kai Leichsenring as Executive Director. Deputy Director Anette Scoppetta will succeed Kai as Executive Director, ensuring continuity of the European Centre’s mission and work.
We were delighted to deepen our cooperation with our Board Members & NLOs from Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Ukraine.
Find more photos and presentations of the meeting here.
