We are delighted to share that Boris Marte, long-standing CEO and now Senior Adviser to the Board of ERSTE Foundation, was awarded with the title of Honorary Senator by WU Vienna. The honour recognises Boris’ sustained commitment to civil society across Central and Eastern Europe and his decade-long partnership with WU. Since 2013, he has been instrumental in shaping the NGO Academy, a joint initiative of ERSTE Foundation and WU’s Center for Social Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation.
The ceremony took place on March 25, 2026 at WU Vienna. WU Rector Rupert Sausgruber spoke about the importance of long-term, committed partnership, particularly at a time when both universities and civil society are navigating real challenges. The evening also featured laudatory speeches by Professor Sigrid Stagl and Lukas Kvokacka, Director of Slovak NGO Barlička, reflecting the breadth and depth of Boris’ impact across the region. We congratulate Boris warmly on this well-deserved recognition, and look forward to continuing our work together.
So many people across Europe who are passionate about a good cause have been able to champion their causes even more effectively through the NGO Academy – and they have found like-minded people in the process. Together, they’re making this Europe a better Europe, and I’m very happy that, through the ERSTE Foundation, I’ve been able to contribute to this work.
