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Leadership Transition Sparks Fresh Momentum for International Vegetarian Union
"My journey with IVU has been guided by a simple conviction: that a vegetarian world is not only possible—it is urgent. Together, we made this dream stronger."
"As I step aside, I feel grateful and full of faith. IVU is in good hands, and I believe the seeds we planted together will keep blooming around the world."
In a spirit of mutual respect and shared purpose, the International Vegetarian Union (IVU)—a venerable institution founded in 1908—welcomes Rune-Christoffer Dragsdahl as its new Chair, succeeding Marly Winckler.
Winckler concludes 10 impactful years leading IVU—first from 2011 to 2014, then from 2018 to 2025. Her tenure reinforced IVU's global presence, championed nutritional education through the influential Vegan Nutrition Guide by Dr. Eric Slywitch, and organized numerous international Congresses and VegFests across multiple continents.
Reflecting on her journey, Winckler said, "My journey with IVU has been guided by a simple conviction: that a vegetarian world is not only possible—it is urgent. Together, we made this dream stronger."
Rune-Christoffer steps into the role with an extensive background in advocacy, sustainability, and food systems. His previous experience includes roles as Assistant Lecturer in Anthropology at the University of Copenhagen, External Lecturer in Sustainable Food Systems at the Danish Institute for Study Abroad, and extensive field research in Eastern Africa and India. Notably, he was instrumental in securing Denmark’s commitment of 1.3 billion DKK (€170 million) toward a plant-based National Action Plan.
Expressing gratitude to his predecessor, Rune-Christoffer remarked, “On behalf of the global vegetarian movement, I want to express my deep gratitude to Marly for her service all these years and for believing in the importance of IVU as an umbrella for organizations worldwide. I appreciate Marly’s firm belief in keeping the vegetarian and vegan movement united and building bridges to people outside our movement."
Rune-Christoffer’s vision emphasizes global advocacy, strategic partnerships, and increased funding, particularly for underrepresented regions. “Looking forward, an important aim is recognition from institutions like FAO and WHO that the cultural diversity of the vegetarian movement provides rich resources for future global food systems. Well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are healthy and suitable for all life stages. My goal is to leverage my experience building coalitions to secure global funding, particularly for areas where resources are scarce,” he states.
With a comprehensive outreach campaign planned, IVU aims to reconnect scattered organizations and engage emerging groups, tailoring support through global surveys.
Winckler expresses optimism for IVU's future: "As I step aside, I feel grateful and full of faith. IVU is in good hands, and I believe the seeds we planted together will keep blooming around the world."
With renewed energy and a strategic outlook, IVU embarks on a promising new chapter—guided by experience, strengthened by collaboration, and energized by fresh perspectives.
“On behalf of the global vegetarian movement, I want to express my deep gratitude to Marly for her service all these years and for believing in the importance of IVU as an umbrella for organizations worldwide. I appreciate Marly’s firm belief in keeping the vegetarian and vegan movement united and building bridges to people outside our movement."
“Looking forward, an important aim is recognition from institutions like FAO and WHO that the cultural diversity of the vegetarian movement provides rich resources for future global food systems. Well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets are healthy and suitable for all life stages. My goal is to leverage my experience building coalitions to secure global funding, particularly for areas where resources are scarce,”