Cocktails with a Consul: An Intimate Dialogue with Melanie Moltmann of Germany and Katherine Raeymaekers of Belgium

Cocktails with a Consul is one of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta’s most engaging and intimate event series, designed to bring global diplomacy directly to the local level. These in-person gatherings feature candid conversations with senior career diplomats representing countries from around the world—offering attendees a rare opportunity to hear firsthand how international strategy intersects with local engagement. 

Each event highlights a festive beverage from the featured diplomat’s country or region, adding a cultural and social dimension to the evening. Whether it’s a Belgian beer, German Riesling, or another signature drink, the experience is designed to spark dialogue, connection, and curiosity. 

Created with young professionals in mind—but open to all ages—Cocktails with a Consul is ideal for anyone interested in international business, public policy, education, or cultural exchange. Attendees gain insight into how diplomacy shapes global affairs and local communities, and how they can engage with international issues from right here in Atlanta. 

Attendees will leave with: 

• A deeper understanding of how European diplomacy operates in the U.S. 

• Insights into global challenges and how they affect local communities 

• Inspiration to pursue international engagement in their careers and civic lives 

• Connections with peers and professionals in the World Affairs Council network 

The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with registration and a networking reception, featuring a curated selection of German and Belgian wine and beer alongside light hors d’oeuvres. At 6:30 p.m., the program will transition into a fireside chat with senior European diplomats, offering an engaging and intimate dialogue on diplomacy and global affairs. Following the conversation, guests will have the opportunity to participate in an audience Q&A. After closing remarks, attendees are invited to stay for optional networking, continuing the evening’s exchange of ideas and connections in a relaxed setting. 

Distinguished Speaker 

Melanie Moltmann is the Consul General of Germany in Atlanta, serving six Southeastern states. She arrived in 2022 from Berlin, where she was Deputy Head of Division for Immigration Law and Policy. Her diplomatic career includes postings in Uzbekistan, Armenia, and roles in Germany’s Foreign Ministry focused on South East Asia. A fluent Russian speaker, she holds an LLM from Moscow and completed legal training in Schleswig, Germany. 

Distinguished Speaker 

Distinguished Speaker 

Katherine Raeymaekers serves as the Consul General of Belgium in Atlanta, overseeing diplomatic relations across ten Southeastern U.S. states. A career diplomat since 2008, she has held key postings in Bulgaria, Hungary, and Morocco, and worked on European policy coordination in Brussels. She holds a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Ghent and completed postgraduate studies in regional cooperation in Argentina. Katherine is fluent in six languages and brings deep expertise in political, economic, and cultural diplomacy. 

Moderator 

Ana Petrova is the International Affairs Specialist at the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs in Atlanta, where she leads diplomatic initiatives and oversees global communications strategy. She serves as Vice Chair of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta Young Leaders Executive Board, and previously chaired its Speaker Committee. Ana holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public policy from Georgia State University. 

Topic Overview 

In an era defined by geopolitical instability, political polarization, and a rapidly shifting world order, diplomacy stands out as one of the most essential tools for building bridges, solving complex problems, and shaping a more cooperative future. This panel brings together the Consuls General of Germany and Belgium, two senior European diplomats based in Atlanta, for a candid and forward-looking conversation about the evolving role of diplomacy in today’s interconnected world. 

The Southeastern United States, and Atlanta in particular, plays a critical role in transatlantic engagement. Home to hundreds of European companies, robust trade partnerships, and expanding cultural and educational exchanges, the region offers fertile ground for international collaboration. With its global airport, thriving business ecosystem, world-class universities, and diverse population, Atlanta has emerged as a strategic hub for European diplomatic activity. 

As global challenges intensify—from war and migration to climate change and digital disruption—the importance of local diplomacy grows. The presence of active German and Belgian consulates in Atlanta reflects the region’s significance in fostering transatlantic relations, advancing shared values, and creating opportunities for meaningful cooperation between Europe and the United States.