THE SECRETARIAT 2026

The Departments

Ginevra Tsepiso Moruthoane

Master’s student in African studies: critical perspectives on society, politics, culture (M. A.)

My name is Ginevra, I am a Master’s student in African Studies at the University of Bayreuth. I joined the Model African Union beacuse of my background in Political Science and International Relations as well because of my interest in governance, diplomacy and African affairs.

Annika Kelber

Member

Bachelor’s Student in International Economics and Development (B.A.)

Coming from a broad background of voluntary engagements, Annika joined the Model African Union in 2023. Most important to her: continuous and conscious learning, un-learning and re-learning! She is therefore very much looking forward to a conference providing an opportunity of sharing experiences and developing ideas for a fairer and more just society!

Taxiarchis Dimplalexis

Member

German Studies and Intercultural German Studies (BA) at the University of Bayreuth

Hey, I’m Tax and I’m a volunteer at MAU (Finance & Admissions).
I joined to learn from perspectives beyond the European one I grew up with, and it has really broadened my understanding of the world.

Adrian

Member

Smaragda Gkountinaki

Member

Master’s Student in Global History (M.A.)

I joined MAU because I want to learn more about the African continent, its politics, and culture. Being on the team helps me to learn new skills and engage with other students who are passionate about Africa.

Aline Heitz

Member

Terema Sanneh

Member

Master’s Student in African Studies: Critical Perspectives on Society, Politics, Culture (M.A.)

I am very happy to be part of the MAU organising team and to gain experience in planning and coordinating a conference. I appreciate the great opportunities for creative teamwork, new networks, and inspiring exchanges in the Technical Workshop Committee and the Culture Department. I look forward to meaningful discussions and great contributions to the discourse on the important topics at this year’s MAU conference.

Anna Kaufmann

Member

Master’s Graduate in Cultures and Societies in Africa – Development Politics, Sociology and Anthropology (completed in 2024)

I’m thrilled to be part of Model African Union Bayreuth e.V. again this year! Since joining in January 2024, I’ve loved learning about African Union politics and policies.

This year, I’ve taken on new responsibilities—handling finances, researching conference topics, and maintaining our website—which has given me a deeper appreciation for how the conference comes together. The MAU Bayreuth team has truly become an intellectual family for me.

I’m especially excited for #BAYMAU26, centered on women’s and youth empowerment. I love that this year’s theme not only celebrates these voices but also challenges traditional ideas, redefining masculinity and femininity. Let’s make it unforgettable! See you there 🙂

Oladayo

Member

Tomiwa Japhet Adeyemo

Member

Master’s Graduate, Germanistik K-I-L at the University of Greifswald (M.A.)

Jeffrey Yaw Gyamera Asamoah

Member

Master’s student in Development Studies

Jeffrey Yaw Gyamera Asamoah is studying for a Master of Arts in Development Studies at the University of Bayreuth. He is a member of the admissions team for the 2025 MAU conference. Although this is his first MAU conference, he brings a wealth of experience. Academically he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Master’s Degree in Politics, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Chinese Studies. Professionally, he has over seven years experience in both private and public sectors, including serving as an Assistant Director in the Local Government Service of Ghana. His goal at MAU is to learn more about the African Union and to learn from fellow participants.

Taxiarchis Dimplalexis

Member

German Studies and Intercultural German Studies (BA) at the University of Bayreuth

Hey, I’m Tax and I’m a volunteer at MAU (Finance & Admissions).
I joined to learn from perspectives beyond the European one I grew up with, and it has really broadened my understanding of the world.

Maximilian Lankes

Member

Master’s student in Human Geography (Urban and Regional Development) (M.Sc.)

Hi, my name is Maximilian Lankes (you can call me Max) and I am studying for a Master’s degree in Human Geography with a focus on Urban and Regional Development. In my Bachelors (Geographies of Development, Focus Africa) I partook in a MUN conference in Marrakech which was a super experience! To allow you the same experience, I am supporting the MAU Bayreuth Team in PR&IT as well as Logistics this year. Looking forward to see You there!

Casty

Member

Smaragda Gkountinaki

Member

Master’s student in Global History (M.A.)

I joined MAU because I want to learn more about the African continent, its politics, and culture. Being on the team helps me to learn new skills and engage with other students who are passionate about Africa.

Aline Heitz

Member

Student of the University of Bayreuth

Kate Beaudry

Member

Global History (M. A.)

Why did I join MAU? Joining MAU was an opportunity for me to learn more about the politics and culture across the African continent. I also felt that it was important to get involved at a local level to understand how global issues can affect my community.

Laura Raggi

Member

Kate Beaudry

Member

Global History (M. A.)

Why did I join MAU? Joining MAU was an opportunity for me to learn more about the politics and culture across the African continent. I also felt that it was important to get involved at a local level to understand how global issues can affect my community.

Smaragda Gkountinaki

Member

Master’s student in Global History (M.A.)

I joined MAU because I want to learn more about the African continent, its politics, and culture. Being on the team helps me to learn new skills and engage with other students who are passionate about Africa.

Jeffrey Yaw Gyamera Asamoah

Member

Master’s student in Development Studies

Jeffrey Yaw Gyamera Asamoah is studying for a Master of Arts in Development Studies at the University of Bayreuth. He is a member of the admissions team for the 2025 MAU conference. Although this is his first MAU conference, he brings a wealth of experience. Academically he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Master’s Degree in Politics, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Chinese Studies. Professionally, he has over seven years experience in both private and public sectors, including serving as an Assistant Director in the Local Government Service of Ghana. His goal at MAU is to learn more about the African Union and to learn from fellow participants.

Maximilian Lankes

Member

Master’s student in Human Geography (Urban and Regional Development) (M.Sc.)

Hi, my name is Maximilian Lankes (you can call me Max) and I am studying for a Master’s degree in Human Geography with a focus on Urban and Regional Development. In my Bachelors (Geographies of Development, Focus Africa) I partook in a MUN conference in Marrakech which was a super experience! To allow you the same experience, I am supporting the MAU Bayreuth Team in PR&IT as well as Logistics this year. Looking forward to see You there!

Fabrice Nizeyimana

Member

Kibouni Koné

Member

Maximilian Lankes

Member

Master’s student in Human Geography (Urban and Regional Development) (M.Sc.)

Hi, my name is Maximilian Lankes (you can call me Max) and I am studying for a Master’s degree in Human Geography with a focus on Urban and Regional Development. In my Bachelors (Geographies of Development, Focus Africa) I partook in a MUN conference in Marrakech which was a super experience! To allow you the same experience, I am supporting the MAU Bayreuth Team in PR&IT as well as Logistics this year. Looking forward to see You there!

Jeffrey Yaw Gyamera Asamoah

Member

Master’s student in Development Studies

Jeffrey Yaw Gyamera Asamoah is studying for a Master of Arts in Development Studies at the University of Bayreuth. He is a member of the admissions team for the 2025 MAU conference. Although this is his first MAU conference, he brings a wealth of experience. Academically he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Master’s Degree in Politics, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Contemporary Chinese Studies. Professionally, he has over seven years experience in both private and public sectors, including serving as an Assistant Director in the Local Government Service of Ghana. His goal at MAU is to learn more about the African Union and to learn from fellow participants.

Conference Volunteers are:

  • Tanvi Patil
  • Teja Dole
  • Lars Nadeau
  • Hidayet Demir
  • Mahshad Forghanifar
  • Adrian Brenner