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President of Ancora Associates, Inc. and Aspen Institute Trustee Clare Muñana remarked, “In the constellation of all those he touched around the world, Leonard held our Aspen International Partners particularly close. His extraordinary vision, leadership and generosity anchored our international family. His consistent, personal commitment reflected a deep and abiding care for each of our partners and Aspen’s mission globally. We will carry his values and his voice with us always.”

Elliot Gerson, Aspen Institute Executive Vice President shared: “Leonard’s devotion and dedication to the Aspen Institute was singular and extraordinary, as will be his legacy. While it was my privilege for two decades to work closely with him on his many passions across the Institute, the Socrates Program notably among them, I would like to highlight his unparalleled contributions to our family of Aspen Institutes and Initiatives around the world. Every one of our International Partners and Affiliates, now on every continent – from Germany born a half century ago, to our youngest in Colombia just two years old – has benefitted from Leonard’s deep personal engagement, wisdom, vision and generosity. Apart from our Founder, no one could be higher in the Aspen Institute pantheon.”

Mircea Geoanǎ, Aspen Institute Romania

“Our dearest friends–We have not enough words to express our deepest sorrow and chagrin for Leonard’s departure. For our family and for all of us in the Aspen global community he has been our North Star, an emblem of enlightened leadership, constant support and creative guidance. All the Aspen Romania community is sending to you and to the Aspen family our deepest condolences and prayers in this difficult moment. He will always be with us in so many different, beautiful ways. May God rest him in peace, love and tranquility. He was a Great Man and he will always be with us, inspiring us, leading us, encouraging us. Our love and prayers are with you in these difficult moments.”

Dr. Stormy-Annika Mildner, Aspen Institute Germany

“Leonard’s passing leaves a deep void — for the Aspen Institute, for the transatlantic community, and for all of us who had the privilege to know him. He was a beacon of light: generous with his wisdom, clear in his convictions, and deeply committed to fostering dialogue and understanding across borders and generations. Without Leonard’s vision, trust, and support — also during the formative years under Rüdiger‘s leadership — Aspen Germany would not be the strong and vibrant platform it is today. His encouragement shaped not only the institution but also touched all of us personally. Leonard inspired Aspen Germany with his clarity, courage, and belief in the power of humanship. His spirit, foresight, and friendship will remain a lasting source of guidance and strength. He will be deeply missed.”

Olivier Mellerio, Aspen Institute France

“Depuis plus de quarante ans, j’ai eu la joie de participer activement au développement de l’Institut Aspen France au sein du réseau international de l’Aspen Institute.

A ce titre je voudrais souligner le rôle essentiel joué par Leonard Lauder pour le soutien dans la durée de notre Institut en France.

Membre du Board d’Aspen USA depuis 1983, J’ai bien connu Léonard qui m’a toujours gratifié de son amitié. A l’occasion des évènements à New York, Il m’a souvent invité dans son appartement de la 5è avenue et reçu dans son bureau d’Estée Lauder : Signe de sa générosité et de sa volonté de rendre à la société ce qu’il avait reçu, il me recevait chez lui , disait-il, en souvenir des familles françaises qui l’avaient accueilli lorsqu’il était étudiant à Paris.

Au sein du Board d’Aspen Institute, il était un fervent promoteur des séminaires exécutifs destinées aux hauts cadres d’entreprises et d’un leadership responsable fondé sur les valeurs à partir de l’étude et du partage des grands textes de l’humanité.

Nous avons accompagné la fondation et le développement de l’Institut à l’international et, en particulier au Japon. Avec émotion, J’ai en mémoire la cérémonie d’adieu à Tony Kobayashi, chairman d’ Aspen Japan, orchestrée par Léonard à Tokyo.

En tant que président du Comité International, il avait à cœur d’élargir l’impact de l’Institut en Europe : Allemagne, Italie et aussi la France.

Au moment de la première crise financière de l’Institut Aspen France après l’erreur d’embauche d’un directeur général nous avons lancé un appel à notre grande sœur américaine mais, statutairement, il était impossible pour elle de nous faire une avance, même temporaire.

C’est à titre personnel que Leonard a souhaité nous apporter son soutien, non pas pour faire face aux difficultés passagères que nous avons surmontées nous-mêmes, mais pour nous aider à développer de nouveaux projets et en particulier un programme pour les young leaders, inspiré des séminaires exécutifs qui ont assis la réputation de l’institut dans le monde.

Le soutien de Leonard Lauder à Aspen France s’est inscrit dans la durée et a survécu aux changements de gouvernance. Il nous laissera le souvenir d’un grand Ami de la France, d’un leader éclairé qui a toujours cherché à mettre ses ressources financières importantes au service du bien commun et pour une meilleurs société.”

“For over forty years, I have had the joy of actively participating in the development of the Aspen Institute France within the Aspen Institute’s international network.

In this regard, I would like to highlight the essential role played by Leonard Lauder in the long-term support of our Institute in France.

A member of the Aspen USA Board since 1983, I knew Leonard well, and he always extended his friendship. During events in New York, he often invited me to his apartment on 5th Avenue and received me in his Estée Lauder office. As a sign of his generosity and his desire to give back to society, he would welcome me into his home, he said, in memory of the French families who had welcomed him when he was a student in Paris.

As a member of the Aspen Institute Board, he was a strong advocate for executive seminars for senior business executives and for responsible leadership based on values, based on the study and sharing of the great texts of humanity.

We supported the founding and development of the Institute internationally, particularly in Japan.

I fondly recall the farewell ceremony for Tony Kobayashi, Chairman of Aspen Japan, orchestrated by Léonard in Tokyo. As President of the International Committee, he was committed to expanding the Institute’s impact in Europe: Germany, Italy, and also France.

At the time of the Aspen Institute France’s first financial crisis, following the misstep in hiring a CEO, we appealed to our American elder sister, but due to their statutes, it was impossible for them to provide us with an advance, even a temporary one.

Leonard wanted to offer his support in a personal capacity, not to address the temporary difficulties we overcame ourselves, but to help us develop new projects, particularly a program for young leaders, inspired by the executive seminars that established the institute’s reputation worldwide.

Leonard Lauder’s support for Aspen France was long-standing and has survived changes in governance.

He will be remembered as a great friend of France, an enlightened leader who always sought to use his significant financial resources for the common good and a better society.”

José M. de Areilza Carvajal, Aspen Institute España:

“Leonard era la amabilidad y el ingenio personificados. Siempre hacía una buena pregunta o contaba una historia interesante, siempre con cercanía, una sonrisa y ganas de disfrutar de todo. Fue un miembro muy activo del Patronato de The Aspen Institute en Estados Unidos y presidente de su Comité Internacional. La red de doce institutos Aspen en todo el mundo debe mucho a su visión y trabajo incansable.”

“Leonard was kindness and wit personified. He always asked a good question or told an interesting story, always with warmth, a smile, and a desire to enjoy everything. He was a very active member of the Board of Trustees of The Aspen Institute in the United States and president of its International Committee. The network of Aspen Institutes around the world owes much to his vision and tireless work.”

Anne-Gabrielle Heilbronner, Aspen Institute France

“Leonard Lauder, merci pour votre élégance et votre soutien inconditionnel. Entrepreneur, philanthrope, soucieux de transmission, Leonard Lauder a été une personnalité majeure de l’Institut Aspen.  Il a appuyé les premiers pas d’Institut Aspen France, a été à l’origine du Aspen Minister Forum de 2018, a soutenu un à un chacun des présidents d’Aspen France, en particulier Michel Pebereau, Olivier Mellerio, Jean-Luc Allavena, puis moi. Je me souviens de nos échanges après mon élection à la présidence : son soutien a été immédiat et chaleureux. Il croyait dans les idées humanistes, dans les institutions qui tiennent, et dans celles et ceux qui les font vivre. Il croyait dans l’importance de la France et du lien entre les Etats-Unis et notre pays.  Grand donateur de l’Institut Aspen France il nous a accompagnés dans tous nos projets avec discrétion et constance. Lors du 40è anniversaire d’Aspen France, en mars 2024, un Lifetime award lui a été remis en reconnaissance de son appui et de sa fidélité à la France. Son engagement déterminé en faveur des actions qui lui semblaient importantes pour façonner un monde meilleur est admirable. A nous, membres d’Aspen, administrateurs et nouvelles générations de Young Leaders Engagés d’Aspen, de reprendre et transmettre le flambeau. Mes pensées vont à sa famille, à ses proches et à toute la grande famille d’Aspen. Que Leonard Lauder repose en paix.”

“Leonard Lauder, thank you for your elegance and unconditional support. An entrepreneur, philanthropist, and committed to passing on his legacy, Leonard Lauder was a key figure at the Aspen Institute. He supported the early steps of Aspen Institute France, initiated the 2018 Aspen Minister Forum, and supported each of the presidents of Aspen France, particularly Michel Pebereau, Olivier Mellerio, Jean-Luc Allavena, and then me. I remember our discussions after my election as president: his support was immediate and warm. He believed in humanist ideas, in institutions that endure, and in those who bring them to life. He believed in the importance of France and the bond between the United States and our country. A major donor to the Aspen Institute France, he supported us in all our projects with discretion and consistency. On the 40th anniversary of Aspen France, in March 2024, he was awarded a Lifetime Award in recognition of his support and loyalty to France. His determined commitment to the actions he considered important to shape a better world is admirable. It is up to us, Aspen members, administrators, and new generations of Aspen’s Young Engaged Leaders, to take up and pass on the torch. My thoughts go out to his family, his loved ones, and the entire Aspen family. May Leonard Lauder rest in peace.”

Aspen Institute Romania:

“A few days ago the Aspen family faced a profound and heartbreaking loss with the passing of Leonard Lauder. Leonard Lauder was not only the visionary force behind one of the world’s largest beauty empires, he was also the soul of the International Aspen Family. Perhaps his most extraordinary gift was his ability to inspire and empower others. His brilliance was reflected not just in the empire he helped build, but also in the countless people he taught, mentored, and believed in. Since the founding of Aspen Institute Romania, in 2006, he represented and endless source of inspiration and support for our Institute. As trustee of the Aspen Institute and as devoted chairman of the Aspen Institute International Committee, Leonard Lauder represented the driving force behind increased cooperation between Aspen Institutes from all over the world. Through his remarkable leadership, deep intuition, and the unwavering commitment and generosity to our network the Aspen Young European Leaders Seminar was born. Organized by rotation, by the European Aspen Institutes, the seminar represented a unique opportunity to drive values-based leadership and create meaningful connections between the diverse communities of European Aspen Fellows & Alumni. We honor a legend whose vision will continue to shine for generations to come. His positive impact on Aspen Institute Romania and the Aspen International Network was tremendous —and we are forever grateful. Rest in peace.”

Aspen Institute New Zealand

“Leonard Lauder was an extraordinary leader and champion of Aspen Institute International Partners. From the outset he showed great interest and support for The Aspen Institute New Zealand. You will be dearly missed. Vale Leonard.”

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