Crisis Group Adds Former Dutch Foreign minister Bert Koenders to Board of Directors
The International Crisis Group, a leading conflict prevention institution, today announced the appointment of Bert Koenders to its Board of Directors. Koenders brings decades of experience in international diplomacy, peacekeeping, and development to the role.
Koenders’ appointment comes at a critical juncture, as global conflicts are increasing in complexity and frequency. His expertise will be invaluable to Crisis Group as it works to provide independent analysis and advocate for effective responses to prevent, mitigate, and resolve deadly conflict. The move strengthens the organization’s leadership as it navigates a period of heightened international instability.
Currently a Professor of Peace, Justice and Security at Leiden University and a Senior Advisor for the World Bank, Koenders previously served as Minister of Foreign affairs of the Netherlands from 2014 to 2017 and as Minister for Development Cooperation from 2007 to 2010. He also held high-level positions within the United Nations, leading peacekeeping missions in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali as an Under-Secretary-General. He has been a member of Crisis Group’s Board of Trustees as 2018.
“We are very pleased and grateful that Bert is joining our Board of Directors,” said Comfort Ero, President & CEO of Crisis Group. “He brings an extraordinary breadth of experience and expertise, making him both a wonderful sounding board and a great advocate for Crisis Group’s mission.”
Susana Malcorra, Co-Chair of the Board, added, “We will benefit immensely from Bert’s insights as we navigate and respond to a period of immense uncertainty and volatility in international relations. I am thrilled that we will be working even more closely with him in the coming years.”
