They advocate for Germany’s interests worldwide—whether at the United Nations (UN) in New York or in European offices and organizations in Rome, Geneva, and Vienna. Germany is also actively involved in Brussels with the EU and NATO, in Paris with the OECD and UNESCO, and in Strasbourg with the Council of Europe, significantly shaping international cooperation.

A key UN location is Rome, where Ambassador Andreas von Brandt heads the Permanent Mission. His team includes staff from the Federal Foreign Office (AA), the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), all of whom are committed to promoting German interests.

In Rome, three significant UN organizations have their headquarters:

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
• World Food Programme (WFP), and
• International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The priorities of the Permanent Mission in Rome are international agricultural and food policy, rural development, and humanitarian aid. Special focus is placed on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), whose implementation and monitoring are closely linked to the Rome location.

The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) leads collaboration with the FAO, while the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) oversees relations with the WFP and IFAD. Permanent Mission officers are assigned to the relevant ministries and work in their respective areas of expertise:

• FAO: Dr. Heiner Thofern (BMEL) is the Deputy Permanent Representative, responsible for cooperation with the FAO.
• IFAD: Ronald Meyer (BMZ) is the German Executive Director at IFAD and oversees related matters.
• WFP: Alexander Ernst (Federal Foreign Office, AA) is the contact for the World Food Programme.
• CFS: Marie-Luise Weckerling (BMEL) manages issues related to the Committee on World Food Security (CFS).

Through their work, they bring the German perspective into key committees, aiming to exert influence and actively shape discussions on relevant topics. Germany plays an important role as one of the largest donors, with decisions often resulting from complex negotiation processes.

The Back Office of the Permanent Mission ensures the smooth running of daily operations:

• Andrea Rubner is the point of contact for matters and inquiries concerning the Ambassador.
• Claudia Tonnini is responsible for team coordination and the protocol arrangements for delegation visits.
• Katherina Niemann oversees registry management, public relations, processing of German WFP contributions, and inquiries regarding the Auswärtiges Amt's internship and trainee program.

The team is regularly supported by one intern and one trainee as part of this program.