• Halberstadt cemented Bilderberg’s profile as key forum for constructive dialogue between European and North American leaders
• Halberstadt’s successor as Chair of Bilderberg Foundation and Co-Chair of Bilderberg Steering Committee to be announced in the near future
• Bilderberg Co-Chair Kravis: “We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to have known him”

Amsterdam | 16 September 2024 | It is with profound sadness that Bilderberg Meetings announces the passing of its esteemed Co-Chair and decades-long leader of the Bilderberg Foundation, Professor Victor Halberstadt, who passed away peacefully on 13 September 2024.

Professor Victor Halberstadt guided the Bilderberg organisation through decades of tremendous transformation in geopolitics, macro economy and diplomacy. Throughout his 44-year tenure in the leadership team of Bilderberg, the organisation cemented its profile as key forum for informal discussions and constructive dialogue between Europe and North America. Halberstadt’s dedication to transatlantic relations, bipartisan co-operation, cross-sector exchange and constructive critical discussions under Chatham House rule is considered by many to have been second to none.

Halberstadt’s successor will be announced in the near future. During this time of reflection and remembrance, the organisation will continue to operate under the leadership of Marie-Josée Kravis, ensuring the continuity of Bilderberg’s mission and values.

“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of an exceptional leader, mentor, and friend,” said Marie-Josée Kravis, Co-Chair of Bilderberg Meetings. “His impact is unmeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire us, as we move forward with the principles he instilled in our organisation and shared with thousands of participants who took part in the meetings led by him. His influence is felt in every part of our organisation, and he has left behind a footprint that will continue to shape Bilderberg for generations to come. Victor will be deeply missed, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all who were fortunate to have known him. We ask for privacy and respect during this difficult time.”

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IN MEMORIAM: PROFESSOR HALBERSTADT

• Victor Halberstadt was a prominent Dutch economist and Professor Emeritus of Economics at Leiden University.
• He has had a distinguished career in academia, government advisory roles, and international organisations.
• Born in 1939 in Amsterdam, Halberstadt completed his doctorate in Economics at the University of Amsterdam and went on to hold influential positions in Dutch and global economic policy.
• He served as a Crown-appointed member of the Social-Economic Council (SER) in the Netherlands from 1972 to 2004 and played a key role in resolving the 1981 Dutch government crisis.
• Halberstadt has been closely involved with the Bilderberg Meetings, having participated since 1975, acting as its Honorary Secretary-General from 1980 to 2000, and as Chair of its Foundation until his passing.
• His work spanned multiple sectors, including serving on advisory boards for major corporations such as DaimlerChrysler and Goldman Sachs, academic institutions such as Koç University as well as being a member of the Faculty of the World Economic Forum since 1990. He also acted as Non-Executive Director for ING, Stork, KPN, RHJI, TNT, PA and others.
• Furthermore, he was an active supporter of the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC), and he has been involved in prestigious cultural institutions like the Concertgebouw and De Nederlandse Opera.
• In recognition of his contributions, Halberstadt has received several honours, including being appointed Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion and the Cross of Honour of the Order of the House of Orange.

 Media contact: media[@]bilderbergmeetings.org