"The diversity of perspectives enriches our expertise"
Interview: 6 questions, 7 answers
„The diversity of perspectives enriches our expertise“
Gabin Kouevi Ananou
Field of study: Public Administration, Diplomacy
Now: DLR Projektträger, Environment and Sustainability
Gabin Kouevi Ananou has been responsible for the Climate Competence Centres WASCAL and SASSCAL in West and South Africa at the Environment and Sustainability division of the DLR Projektträger for over a decade. The two research centres train African climate experts to protect the continent from the consequences of climate change.
Gabin is responsible for the cooperation between Germany and the African partner countries. In this interview, he gives us insights into his work.
Gabin Kouevi, what do you look forward to when coming to work in the morning?
Gabin Kouevi: I look forward to the conversations and meetings with my colleagues – these are special moments for me. The personal exchange of expertise creates trust within the team and strengthens the way in which our international partners perceive us.
What are you working on?
„I make sure that the funding gets to where it is needed.“
Gabin Kouevi: The DLR Projektträger helps to ensure that research, education and innovation find their way into the future – we offer our expertise in communication, research and innovation to key decision-makers from politics, science and industry.
I coordinate research initiatives by German and African scientists to combat the negative consequences of climate change. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research supports competence centres in Africa where young researchers learn to develop region-specific solutions for climate change. I am responsible for implementation, securing successful cooperation between the ministry and the African partner countries and making sure that the funding gets to where it is needed.
Gabin Kouevi builds bridges between continents, politics, science, industry and society.
Credit:
Helmut Hammer/Hochschule Mittweida
What are the highlights of your work?
Gabin Kouevi: I am always impressed by the ability of the German and African partners to compromise when it comes to defining and achieving joint research goals. This has enabled us to secure the results of research activities in many areas and implement them directly on site in the regions.
What does your typical working day involve and what special skills can you make good use of in your job?
„We work on complex issues across many national borders, so a lot of coordination is required.“
Gabin Kouevi: In our project teams, different stakeholders from politics, science and industry work together on complex topics across many national borders – a great deal of coordination and discussion is required. In meetings with team members and clients, we discuss the progress of the project and discuss the latest developments. I give feedback and comments, answer emails and make phone calls to our partners abroad.
Diplomacy is an important core skill for building relationships and conducting negotiations – respect, appreciation and strategic thinking are also essential. In conflict situations, it is important to find a compromise that works for both sides and allows them to save face. And, of course, you have to be a good listener.
Gabin Kouevi Ananou, coordinator of the Africa Competence Centres WASCAL and SASSCAL.
Gabin Kouevi: As part of DLR, the Projektträger offers its employees a good balance of flexibility and stability. For me, an employer is attractive if I enjoy going to work every day – regardless of all the other benefits.
What are the biggest advantages of diverse teams for you?
Gabin Kouevi: Diversity in the team makes it possible to look at problems from different cultural perspectives and find innovative solutions together. As an internationally active research centre, the diversity of perspectives enriches our expertise and promotes good cooperation with our partners from all over the world.
Leave us a final thought.
Gabin Kouevi: We live a culture of openness and diversity at DLR. The combination of a high level of expertise and cultural diversity ensures a very high standard and strengthens our competitiveness with international partners.
