Karin Gardes had the overall responsibility for International IDEA’s international partnerships and global reputation.

Gardes is a multilateral development cooperation expert and has worked extensively in numerous international organizations. Previously, she worked at the European Commission at the Directorate General for Development and in the Cabinet of Commissioner Louis Michel, in charge of Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Assistance. Gardes also has worked for the International Organization for Migration, in Rome, New York and Brussels.