Johanna Hilbert

As GPPAC's Communication and Advocacy Adviser, Johanna combines her passion for advocacy and strategic communications. She works closely with GPPAC's Senior UN Policy and Advocacy Adviser to support local peacebuilders in amplifying their voices and experiences at the global level. By ensuring policies are informed by locally rooted expertise and lessons learned, Johanna helps bridge the gap between local knowledge and global frameworks. Her role in strategic communications allows her to highlight the inspiring impact of local peacebuilding through storytelling. 

Her keen interest in societal questions, current affairs and gender issues took her to Sweden and Latvia, where she studied Sociology, Gender and Global Studies. In the past, Johanna has worked with Free Press Unlimited because she admires those who dare to speak the truth. And because she is convinced that media has the power to change societal norms and beliefs. She has volunteered with the Red Cross and worked as an English assistant teacher, where she engaged with people from conflict-torn countries. Their personal stories have only reinforced her determination to work in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Johanna has a weakness for books, coffee, word puns and peculiar people. Born in Southern Germany to a Swedish mother, she sometimes misses a fresh Brezel and Kanelbulle. 

Ask Johanna about…

How to tell stories that capture the inspiring impact of (local) peacebuilding, translating complex policy jargon into accessible language, shortlisted books for the German Book Prize and other people's dogs.

Johanna’s favourite place in the world...

Summer in Sweden. Because the sun never disappears.