Date: 7 February 2026
Contact: Media Relations, info@iydg.org
Press Release: International Youth Federation Appoints Lilian Kastner as Director, Bureau of Programme Support
London, United Kingdom – The Executive Office of the International Youth Federation (IYF) today announced the appointment of Ms. Lilian Kastner of the Kingdom of Spain as Director, Bureau of Programme Support, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to strong, experienced leadership in advancing global youth and humanitarian initiatives.
Ms. Kastner brings more than 18 years of international leadership experience across humanitarian response, development programming, and inter-agency coordination. She is widely recognized for building high-performing multicultural teams, strengthening operational systems in complex emergencies, and driving innovation in humanitarian policy and learning. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, she has worked extensively across Africa, Europe, and global headquarters settings.
Prior to joining IYF, Ms. Kastner held senior leadership roles with UNICEF, most recently within the Office of Emergency Programmes in Switzerland, where she led global coordination initiatives, inter-agency policy development, and large-scale learning and capacity-strengthening platforms reaching tens of thousands of humanitarian professionals worldwide. She previously served as Chief of Emergency and Field Operations in Chad, overseeing multi-office field structures, strengthening emergency preparedness systems, and mobilizing significant new funding to expand life-saving operations.
Her earlier career includes senior advisory and coordination roles with Save the Children International in the Central African Republic and Haiti, as well as UNICEF assignments in Senegal, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. Across these postings, she has led education in emergencies programming, cluster coordination, performance monitoring systems, and government capacity-building efforts – consistently bridging policy, operations, and field realities.
Ms. Kastner holds a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University in New York and a B.A. in Translation and Interpretation from Universidad Europea de Madrid. She has also completed extensive specialized training in humanitarian leadership, emergency coordination, and results-based management.
“Lilian’s track record in leading complex, multi-country operations and shaping global humanitarian policy makes her an exceptional addition to IYF’s senior programme team,” said an IYF Executive Office spokesperson. “Her strategic vision and deep field experience will be instrumental as we scale our impact for young people worldwide.”
In her new role, Ms. Kastner will lead the Bureau of Programme Support in strengthening IYF’s global programme systems, partnerships, and operational effectiveness. She will focus on enhancing cross-regional collaboration, building sustainable institutional capacity, and ensuring that youth-centered programmes are delivered with quality, accountability, and impact.
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The IYF is a global youth network dedicated to empowering young people and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources that help youth build a better future. The organization works in alignment with the 2030 Global Goals Agenda to promote education, advocacy, sustainable development, and a culture of respect and compassion worldwide.
IYF engages and mobilizes new audiences to take action and raise support for youth-focused sustainable development programmes around the globe.
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For more information, please contact: IYF Media Relations – info@iydg.org | Fédération internationale de la jeunesse | HQ Office, Press Center | 24 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2BN, United Kingdom | www.iyfweb.org