MONDAY, JULY 14, 2014
Statement in Memory of Axel Wüstenhagen
Dear Friends,
The World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), including its Officers, Executive Committee and member UNAs would like to send its deepest sympathies and wholehearted condolences to Axel Wüstenhagen’s family. We have lost a great leader and friend who for many decades provided service to the international community, the UN, and the UNA family.
Axel was a Board member of the United Nations Associations of Austria since 1962, and served as its Secretary-General for the years 1967-1972. He began his UN Career in 1972 as a staff member of the UN Department of Public Information (DPI). Although he retired in 2003, his service continued as Media Logistics Officer to many UN Conference through 2011. Since 2009, Axel was WFUNA’s Representative to the United Nations in Vienna and was elected as Vice President of WFUNA in 2012. At a time when our organization was experiencing pivotal growth, Axel proved to be a great resource providing intelligent insight, and constructive evaluation. He was always willing to be an active leader within WFUNA, most recently acting as the Chair of the Constitution and By-Laws Amendment Task Force. Axel generously provided UNA-Austria and WFUNA the guidance and assistance necessary to become stronger and more sustaining. He certainly leaves a strong legacy and provides a benchmark for involvement and accomplishment that many may admire, but few can equal.
Axel was truly a global citizen supporting international cooperation and communication, understanding the complex intersection of policy and community, and promoting the important role of the United Nations. WFUNA will commemorate his well respected work and many achievements, and joins his family, UNA-Austria and the international community in respectfully celebrating his life.
Sincerely,
WFUNA Secretariat
