veronika wilhelm

Hi, I’m Veronika

I believe great communication isn't just seen – it is felt.

It's the spark when people connect with an experience.

With 7+ years of experience in strategic communication

(currently at the United Nations),

I work where strategic foresight and social impact meet storytelling.

Always with a focus on clarity, collaboration, and purpose.

My work spans:,

brand and content strategy

multimedia production

event and project management

team coaching and capacity-building

I specialise in turning complex ideas into clear stories that

people can understand, connect with, and act on.

About Me

🇺🇳 I have led communication projects across the UN system, collaborating with partners from government, academia, civil society, youth organisations, and the private sector to shape narratives about sustainable development and social impact.

✒️ I produce multimedia content, build editorial systems, and manage public-facing events that bring sustainable development messages to life in digital and physical spaces.

🎯 I focus on what helps people navigate complexity – whether that’s clearer messages, more useful tools, or a better process. I’m known for spotting what’s missing, fixing what matters, and building tools and structure that make communication easier to create, share, and understand – communication that is more useful to the humans it’s meant for.

🌍 Raised across Europe and the Middle East, I bring an intercultural lens, a sharp instinct for clarity amidst noise, and the ability to create space for diverse ideas to take root and for people to thrive.

🚀 I combine big-picture systems thinking with an eye for detail.

I have a strong interest in strategic foresight tools and communication that supports sustainability and future thinking – because how we talk about change shapes what becomes possible.

– PHOTOGRAPHY

Strategic Visual Storytelling

— ROLE

– Full-cycle event photography: conferences, workshops, panel discussions, launches, meetings, exhibitions

– On-site direction & coordination: includes. pre-event planning

– Image delivery: high-resolution, edited image sets optimised for internal & external use

– Post-event support: visuals for newsletters, social media, reports, websites, screens, print

— NOTABLE ASSIGNMENTS

🔹 The UN Secretary-General's official visit to Denmark (May 2025)

🔹 The UN Executive Board Meeting in Helsingør (May 2025)

🔹 The official royal dinner hosted by Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark for the UN Secretary-General and UN Executive Directors

🔹 Visits from HM Queen Mary of Denmark to UN City Copenhagen

🔹 I have documented external & internal events for a range of UN agencies, including: UNDP, UNEP, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNOPS, UN Women, WHO, WFP, IOM, UNICEF – incl. international conferences, commemorations, diversity & inclusion events, strategy launches, public panel discussions, film screenings

🔹 Other events (e.g., weddings, promotional product photography)

In my work as a communication strategist and designer, photography plays a central role in how we capture and communicate meaning.

I specialise in event and conference photography – capturing stories of people with documentary sensitivity and editorial sharpness. My goal is to create imagery that feels human and intentional, supporting the event's and organisation's communication goals while conveying the event's energy, people's interactions, and emotional impact.

Whether it's a UN panel, a diplomatic meeting, or a film screening and discussion about people's everyday challenges, I work through presence and observation – moving intuitively within a space, anticipating key moments, and responding to subtle interactions. I aim for naturally candid shots: speakers in motion, audiences engaged, and both visible branding and more implicit messaging captured. My attention to light, composition, and human nuances helps ensure that the images reflect not just what happened – but what it felt like to be there.

I focus on 3 things:

– Care for People & Values: Prioritising candid, authentic moments that show real connection, interactions, and dynamics.

– Clarity & Visual Coherence: Keeping compositions clean and intuitive, helping the viewer understand the story at a glance, without excess visual noise.

– Relevance & Purpose: Taking every photo with a communication goal in mind, ensuring the final set of photos works across different platforms and is well suited for diverse uses.

See more photos at the end of the page 👇

– PROJECT

Pride @ United Nations City Copenhagen

— ROLE

Lead designer & communication strategist – sole creator of all design outputs, from concept to execution

— TIMELINE

2 weeks from brief to visual identity delivery; 3 weeks to final roll-out of all materials

I designed and delivered every element of the project (brand identity, motion graphics, indoor & outdoor print materials, digital posts, and a large-scale exhibition), while ensuring close collaboration with D&I specialists and focal points across 10 UN agencies.

The Challenge

Create a recognisable and culturally sensitive Pride identity for UN City Copenhagen that feels genuinely inclusive and aligned with UN values. The design needed to work across a wide range of formats, remain respectful of the UN's institutional context, and resonate with a global, intercultural audience (staff from 100+ countries, diplomats and external partners, public visitors, digital audiences).

The Solution

I developed a visual identity system centred around the Gilbert typeface, created in honour of rainbow flag designer Gilbert Baker.

Paired with clean, timeless layouts and intentional use of vibrant elements, the design allowed the message of inclusion, human joy and love, and diversity to stand out front and centre in a playful manner without visual noise.

Bold yet respectful; the final design aimed to emphasise intersectionality and celebrate diversity in a way that feels both vibrant and rooted in UN values, making it emotionally resonant yet contextually appropriate for an international human rights organisation.

Alternatives Considered

Early concepts explored abstract visual metaphors and symbol-based systems, but I ultimately chose to foreground a type-led approach rooted in LGBTQI+ history. This provided stronger emotional impact and more consistent cross-cultural clarity.

Key Deliverables

Branding: Logo and complete visual identity toolkit

Print: Large-scale outdoor banner (public-facing), posters, staff merchandise (T-shirts)

Digital: Motion graphics for internal screens, campaign banners, newsletter assets

Exhibition: Full-cycle production – including concept, research (in collaboration with D&I specialists), narrative design and copywriting, visual layout, procurement, and coordination of installation. The exhibition content highlighted both historical and contemporary figures who have significantly contributed to advancing LGBTQI+ human rights efforts. It included an interactive visitor space for contributions, fostering dialogue and promoting allyship.

0:00

– PROJECT

10th Anniversary of United Nations City Copenhagen

— ROLE

Lead designer & communication strategist – sole creator of all design outputs, from concept to execution

— TIMELINE

2 weeks from brief to visual identity delivery; 3 weeks to final roll-out of all materials

I designed and delivered every element of the project (brand identity, motion graphics, print materials, digital posts, and a large-scale exhibition), while collaborating closely with focal points across 10 UN agencies.

The Challenge

Mark a decade of impact at UN City Copenhagen, honouring past achievements, highlighting UN City's role as a collaboration and innovation hub, and spark renewed commitment toward the future of multilateralism. All while respecting the tone and formality of the UN communication environment.

The Solution

I created a visual identity and campaign narrative that balances institutional dignity with momentum and optimism. The design concept centred on connection, collective action, and future-oriented progress – using visual language that signals both celebration and reflection.

The anniversary logo integrated 3 symbolic elements into a clean, modern mark:

– Numerals "10" with an arrow to indicate forward motion

– A power button to represent activation and commitment

– A clock element to convey time, reflection, urgency, and shared purpose

The visual identity maintained consistency with UN City's existing guidelines while subtly building on the graphic language of the UN75 campaign, ensuring a coherent brand evolution across platforms. Throughout the campaign, I focused on creating a visual and narrative experience that felt celebratory without being self-congratulatory – placing emphasis on shared impact, multilateral cooperation, and the journey ahead. By connecting past impact with future aspirations, the anniversary campaign reaffirmed UN City Copenhagen’s identity as a living hub of hope, partnership, and action towards a better world.

Alternatives Considered

Initial design directions explored more traditional anniversary symbols and commemorative-style visuals. However, I ultimately opted for a symbol-driven concept grounded in simplicity and recognisable metaphors to ensure strong narrative alignment and accessibility.

Key Deliverables

Branding: Logo and complete visual identity toolkit

Print: Event programmes, campaign posters, internal way finding graphics

Digital: Motion graphics, digital screen banners, presentation templates

Exhibition: Full-cycle production – including concept, archival photo research, narrative design and copywriting, visual layout, procurement, and coordination of installation.

The exhibition featured diverse moments from UN City's 10-year history, presented in a way that invited reflection on collective achievements and dialogue about shared purpose, innovation, and cooperation.

0:00

– PROJECT

United Flavours @ United Nations City Copenhagen

— ROLE

Lead designer & communication strategist – sole creator of all design outputs, from naming and visual identity to messaging pillars and campaign materials

— TIMELINE

3 weeks from research and concept development to final brand system delivery; 2 weeks to final roll-out of all materials

I designed and delivered every element of the project (brand identity, print materials, digital posts), while working closely with internal stakeholders to translate operational goals into a values-driven identity that reflects the UN City canteen/café/catering operations

The Challenge

Create a vibrant, inclusive brand identity for the canteen, café, and catering operations in UN City Copenhagen – one that reflects the UN's values of sustainability, diversity, and community. The brand needed to feel welcoming and modern while communicating purpose across a multicultural, intergenerational audience.

The Solution

I developed a full brand and messaging strategy positioning the canteen as a living expression of the UN’s commitment to global wellbeing – health, sustainability, and multiculturalism. The visual identity dovetails plant-based symbolism, culinary elements, and international connection – turning sustainability and diversity from ideals into tangible, everyday experiences.

The logo combines stylised plant forms, a spoon and fork, and a subtle globe/bowl – representing nourishment, growth, and global interdependence. The colour palette pairs earthy greens (to signal plant-based offerings and freshness), vibrant oranges (for warmth and vitality), and UN-inspired blue (to evoke trust, community, and institutional coherence). The typography blends modern precision with approachability, ensuring legibility and warmth across signage, menus, and digital formats.

In parallel, I developed core messaging pillars to support internal and external communication, reinforcing the brand's mission. These focused on:

– Sustainability: advocating climate-conscious practices and plant-forward food choices; inspiring more sustainable food cultures
– Health & wellbeing: promoting balanced, inclusive nutrition
– Multicultural appreciation: highlighting the role of food in shaping cultural identities and global understanding

Alternatives Considered

Early explorations included more neutral institutional aesthetics, but these risked diluting the project’s emotional and cultural depth. The final direction embraces a bold, illustrative visual language that invites participation and reflects the diversity of global food traditions within the UN community.

Key Deliverables

Branding: Logo and complete visual identity toolkit

Print: Campaign posters, menus, event programmes, informational booklets

Digital: Digital screen banners, internal newsletter visuals

Key Messaging: Communication pillars on sustainability, health and wellbeing, and cultural diversity

– PROJECT

Black History Month @ United Nations City Copenhagen

— ROLE

Lead designer & communication strategist – sole creator of all design outputs, from concept to execution

— TIMELINE

1 week from brief to visual identity delivery; 3 weeks to final roll-out of all materials

The Challenge

Design a visual identity and campaign experience that honours the legacy, achievements, and ongoing contributions of Black communities worldwide. The identity needed to feel both dignified and dynamic, resonating across cultural contexts while fostering engagement, education, and allyship within the UN City environment and beyond.

The Solution

I crafted a visual language rooted in bold simplicity and symbolic depth. A black-and-white foundation was used to represent both contrast and unity, while vibrant orange accents conveyed energy, momentum, and strength. This palette allowed the campaign to move fluidly between reverence and relevance — honouring historical impact while sparking present-day dialogue. The design system was intentionally constructed to serve as an invitation to reflect, learn, and engage. It communicated not only remembrance, but ongoing commitment to justice, solidarity, and structural change.

Alternatives Considered

Initial concepts explored more photographic and texture-rich approaches, but these risked overshadowing the campaign’s core message. I chose a clean, graphic direction to elevate key figures and stories without aesthetic distraction — ensuring accessibility, clarity, and cross-cultural resonance.

Key Deliverables

Branding: Logo and full visual identity system

Print: Large-scale indoor banner (public-facing), awareness posters

Digital: Promotional video, digital screen banners, internal newsletter graphics

The exhibition showcased historical and contemporary figures who have significantly shaped the global anti-racism movement. It was supported by a series of engagement events: a panel discussion, a lunch & learn film screening, and campaign banners across UN City to foster visibility and promote allyship.

– PROJECT

Physiotherapie Basel

— ROLE

Lead designer – sole creator, from concept exploration to final delivery

— TIMELINE

3 days for concept development; final logo delivered within 1 week from project start

I developed 4 distinct logo directions, each with application mock-ups and rationale.

The Challenge

Design a modern and professional logo that reflects Point Physiotherapy's commitment to human-centred, holistic care – anchored in precision, personal connection, and a minimalistic aesthetic. The visual identity needed to be adaptable across formats and feature a reference to Switzerland.

The Solution

The final logo features clean, sans-serif typography with a subtle emphasis on the word "point" – a nod to targeted treatment and body-mind alignment. A muted red palette was chosen to evoke vitality, warmth, and Switzerland, while ensuring legibility across materials. The result is a versatile, professional identity that reflects the practice's ethos of focused, clear care.

Alternatives Considered

Initial concepts explored movement-driven forms, anatomical symbolism, and human figure abstractions. These offered more expressive storytelling potential but were ultimately set aside in favour of a precision-led, type-centric approach that felt cleaner and more aligned with the client's long-term brand vision and visual preferences.

Key Deliverables

Branding: Logo and visual identity system

Print: Custom-designed business cards

– PROJECT

CogniSync

— ROLE

Lead brand strategist & designer – sole creator of all outputs, from company naming and brand concept to visual identity, marketing materials, and key messaging

— TIMELINE

2 weeks from brief to full brand concept delivery; 1 week for roll-out of all materials

I worked end-to-end to translate a complex service offering into a cohesive, future-ready brand system that communicates credibility, market intelligence, and partnerships.

The Challenge

Develop a brand identity for a new market research consultancy blending deep contextual analysis with a forward-looking, client-tailored approach. The brand needed to establish trust and long-term expertise in a competitive B2B landscape while reflecting intellectual depth, adaptability, and clear business value.

The Solution

I created the brand name CogniSync—a fusion of “cognition” (perceiving, understanding, knowing) and “synchronisation” (aligning expertise with client needs and market realities, timing, mutual understanding). This name positions the company as a partner that brings deep understanding and clarity to complexity and helps clients navigate uncertainty using market insights and foresight.

The visual identity brings these ideas to life through:

– A stylised logo formed by 2 abstract figures leaning toward each other, with a central dot as the “head” – symbolising dialogue, collaboration, and shared insights

– Shapes that subtly echo the letters “C" and "S”, reinforcing brand recognition and connection

– A complementary colour system: deep blue (trust, analytical depth, professionalism), vibrant yellow-orange (creativity, optimism, momentum), and white (clarity, confidence, simplicity)

To support verbal branding, I developed a messaging framework that communicates CogniSync’s unique value proposition:

– Leveraging 3 decades of deep market research expertise

– Delivering tailored, real-world insights that are grounded and actionable

– Enabling clients not only to adapt, but to lead change and shape futures.

Alternatives Considered

Initial naming and visual directions explored more metaphorical language and abstract graphic marks. However, the selected concept best embodied the consultancy’s core mission: synchronising cognitive insight with actionable business recommendations. It struck the right balance between professionalism and innovation—setting the stage for long-term brand equity.

Key Deliverables

Branding: Company name, logo, and visual identity system

Print: Business cards, posters, roll-up banners

Digital: Screen graphics, promotional visuals for online platforms

Key Messaging: Messaging framework and key pillars