Zuzana Čaputová

Zuzana Čaputová served as President of the Slovak Republic from 2019 to 2024 – becoming the first woman ever elected to this office in the history of the country and the wider region. During the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and a period of deep social polarization, she led Slovakia with an emphasis on humanity, empathy, and democratic values. She consistently advocated for the protection of democracy, human rights, and the environment.

Under her leadership, the Presidential Office became the first climate-neutral public institution in Slovakia. She initiated several systemic reforms, including the establishment of a network of intervention centers supporting victims of domestic violence.

After completing her term, she served as a visiting lecturer at Stanford University in the United States. She has received twelve international awards and six state honors recognizing her contribution to democracy and values-based leadership.