Club de Madrid deeply mourns the passing of Horst Köhler, former President of Germany, former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and a valued Member of our organisation.
Köhler was a visionary leader and a staunch advocate for democracy, inclusion, and sustainable development. Throughout his career in public service in Germany and in international financial institutions, he worked tirelessly to promote economic stability, social justice, and multilateral cooperation—values at the core of Club de Madrid’s mission.
As Managing Director of the IMF (2000-2004), he championed transparency and innovative approaches to global economic governance, recognising the importance of inclusive growth and crisis prevention. Later, as President of Germany (2004-2010), he placed Africa at the centre of his international agenda, advocating for fair partnerships and sustainable development policies. His dedication to diplomacy was further demonstrated in his role as UN Special Envoy for Western Sahara (2017-2019), where he promoted peace and dialogue.
Horst Köhler profoundly understood the power of collective leadership in advancing democracy and addressing global challenges. He actively contributed to Club de Madrid’s efforts in strengthening democratic governance, fostering inclusive economic policies, and promoting sustainable solutions for development.
His wisdom, leadership, and unwavering commitment to a better world will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.