In an interview with DW, Gesche Joost, president of the Goethe-Institut since 2024, highlighted the institution's 75-year legacy of cultural exchange and education. She noted that Latin America is a key region for Germany, with Mexico serving as a crucial partner in attracting skilled workers through language courses and cultural orientation.

Founded in 1951 to rebuild trust after WWII, the institute initially focused on training foreign German teachers. Today, it employs nearly 4,400 staff across 154 locations in 100 countries, with about 1 million people taking official German exams annually. Despite two-thirds of its funding coming from the German Foreign Office, the institute maintains independence in program development.

Joost emphasized the institute's adaptability: during the Cold War, it expanded into Eastern Europe; amid the Ukraine war, its Kyiv branch moved classes to shelters during air raids. However, the German government's stance on the Middle East conflict has led to boycotts and suspended cooperation in parts of the Arab world. Joost described this as a challenge of explaining Germany's position while conveying criticism back.

The institute has also faced federal funding cuts, forcing closures of some branches. Joost sees the institute as key to integrating skilled workers into German society. The 75th anniversary is celebrated under the motto "Wir in der Welt" (We in the World), with a main ceremony scheduled for June 23, 2026 in Berlin.

Source: www.dw.com