Dr. Susanne Keppler-Schlesinger is a graduate of the University of Vienna and holds a PhD in Musicology, French language and Literature. She is also an alumna of the Diplomatische Akademie Wien – Vienna School of International Studies. For 25 years she served in the Austrian Federal Ministry for European, International and Foreign Affairs, holding positions in various departments, including the position of a Training Director in the Personnel Department. Susanne Keppler-Schlesinger was posted to the Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations in New York and to the Austrian Embassy in Paris. She has been Deputy Director of the Diplomatische Akademie Wien – Vienna School of International Studies for the last three years. She is responsible for the development of diplomatic training programmes for public officials and diplomats from all continents. She coordinates the DA’s cooperation with international partners and networks, including the European Diplomatic Programme and the International Forum on Diplomatic Training.