Consul
Consulate General of Romania in Shanghai

Austrian Development Agency Representative in the Practitioners Network of European Development Cooperation

Cristina Bejenaru is an international consultant and the visionary behind Authentic European Consulting, recognised for her expertise in policy development, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation within EU funding frameworks. With over a decade of experience in European structural funds, humanitarian aid, development policy, and project and program management, Cristina is a reliable advisor for organisations pursuing EU funding and strategic growth in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. Her geographic areas of expertise include Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Albania, Montenegro, Greece, Bulgaria, and Kosovo, where she has effectively driven policy initiatives and programs aligned with EU standards. Cristina’s exceptional track record includes a 95.3% approval rate on funding proposals across CERV, Erasmus+, EuropeAid, Horizon Europe, and the Single Market Programme, helping organisations obtain over €90.5 million in the past 7 years. Her commitment to capacity development is demonstrated through her coaching program for organisations, enhancing their ability to discover EU funding opportunities and build complex project management and reporting frameworks. Cristina also brings a deep understanding of monitoring and evaluation practices, ensuring that funded projects deliver measurable and sustainable impacts.

Known for her strategic insights into EU regulatory standards and leadership in fostering cross-border partnerships with over 30 organizations in 15+ countries, Cristina plays a pivotal role in advancing Moldova's EU integration through policy alignment and capacity-building initiatives. Her approach is highly personalized and culturally responsive, tailored to the unique needs of each client and enriched by her multilingual proficiency. Cristina holds two Bachelor's degrees in International Relations and Law, along with two Master's degrees in Public Administration and Security and Defence. Her extensive professional development includes over 35 certifications in human rights, gender, strategic planning, public service development, policy formulation, business administration, and justice and home affairs, making her a highly versatile asset to any organisation.

Johan van Geijn has a unique track record as a specialist in international corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the world of sports, particularly in football and international development cooperation. With more than 25 years of experience – heading the international programs at the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) since 1998 to build local capacity through football in developing countries and low-income countries. More than 20,000 young volunteer coaches have been able to improve themselves in their local environment through programs developed by Johan.
As founder of the WorldCoaches program, Johan has proven many times how sport can serve as a means for social development. Using football as a catalyst for social cohesion, for the position of girls and women in society, for awareness of communicable diseases, drugs and addictions or clean water.
With the international challenges surrounding migration and refugees, using football as an initiator for programs to tackle youth unemployment in these countries. A range of thematic social challenges where Johan has been able to let football contribute to the approach and often to the solution.