I am Dr. Katarina Sedlakova, a cultural educator, writer, translator, and advocate for intercultural dialogue with more than two decades of professional experience across academia, media, cultural diplomacy, and international education. My mission has always been to build bridges between nations through language, literature, and shared human values — using education and culture as powerful tools for understanding, cooperation, and peace.

I earned my Ph.D. in Slovak and Slavic Philology from the Slovak Academy of Sciences and have held teaching and research positions at the University of Matej Bel in Slovakia, the University of Cyril and Methodius in Bulgaria, and the Institute of Literature of Matica Slovenská. My work in academia has focused on Slavic languages, cultural identity, and cross-cultural communication. In parallel, I have served as a cultural officer at the Bulgarian Cultural Institute in Bratislava and as a teacher at international schools, further deepening my engagement with global education and multicultural environments.

As an author and editor, I have written and published several books on language, literature, and intercultural understanding, and I have contributed to numerous anthologies, conferences, and cultural projects across Europe — including initiatives in Poland, Hungary, Romania, France, Germany, Bulgaria, and Serbia. My translation and editorial work has helped bring voices from different cultures into dialogue, while my books and educational materials support language learning and cultural literacy among diverse audiences. In recognition of my work in promoting cultural exchange, I was awarded a medal by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria.

My leadership extends beyond academia and publishing. I have organized international conferences, cultural events, and educational projects, and I actively collaborate with Slovak communities abroad to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen transnational ties. Through my company, Media Art, I continue to create and promote projects that empower communities and foster dialogue between cultures.

If selected as Country Director for Global Peace Chain, I aim to bring my experience in intercultural communication, project leadership, and educational innovation to support the organization’s mission. My goal is to develop initiatives that unite people across linguistic, cultural, and social divides — creating platforms for dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful cooperation. I believe that peace begins with understanding, and through language, storytelling, and education, we can build the foundations for a more just and connected world.