By Muhammad Sohail
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jana Hynková, a distinguished Czech diplomat who dedicated her entire professional life to the service of the Czech Republic and international diplomacy. She passed away after a serious illness on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
” I got to know Ambassador Jana Hynková as a true diplomat. She always sought and found a way to her goal, but she tended to conceal her own merits. It is not always easy for a woman to achieve such successes in high positions in diplomacy. The life of Ambassador Hynková, a true lady, is also an inspiration to all others in this regard, ” recalled Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský.
Jana Hynková was not only an excellent diplomat, but also an exceptional person. She is an inspiration to her colleagues and associates, how to combine high professionalism with a human approach, empathy and respect for each individual. She knew how to listen, always supported her colleagues and created an environment based on trust, cooperation and openness. Her natural authority and calm strength were a role model for many.
Her departure is a great loss not only for Czech diplomacy, but also for all those who were lucky enough to work with her or know her personally.
Jana Hynková graduated in translation and interpreting and Nordic studies at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague. After graduating, she joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. In 1998–1999, she graduated from the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
Jana Hynková has held a number of key positions at headquarters and abroad. As Director of the European Union and Western Europe Department and then the EU Coordination and Institutions Department, she significantly contributed to the successful accession of the Czech Republic to the European Union.
She worked as an EU expert at the embassy in Denmark, and later as ambassador, she headed the embassies in Sweden (2011–2016) and Latvia (2019–2023).
Within the ministry, she also worked in the Western European Countries Department, the Development Cooperation Department, and was the Director of the Minister’s Cabinet. In recent years of great changes in world politics, she led the Eastern European Countries Department, always representing the Czech Republic with extraordinary professionalism and humanity.
My sincere condolences to the family of Ambassador Hynková and her loved ones
