Episode 28: Bert Koenders talks about Germany’s Recent Political Developments and Their Impact on Domestic, European, and International Affairs
In this episode of "Think. Debate. Inspire." Pradnya Bivalkar talks to Bert Koenders about the political developments in Germany over the past few months, its implications for domestic, European politics and international relations.
Bert Koenders currently holds the Kooijmans Chair of Peace, Security, and Law at Leiden University, Netherlands. He serves as President of the Dutch Advisory Council on International Affairs and Advisor to the World Bank. From 2019 to 2021, he acted as Special Envoy of the World Bank on fragile states.
Between October 2014, and October 2017, Bert Koenders was the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Netherlands. During his tenure, the Netherlands held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (the first half of 2016). From August 2011 to October 2014, he was an Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. In this function, he led the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) 2013 to 2014 and served as the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire between August 2011 and July 2013.
In 2010–2011, Bert Koenders worked as a negotiator and Co-chair for Economics and Development under the OECD’s Busan Partnership Agreement. From February 2007 to February 2010, he was the Netherlands' Minister for Development Cooperation, managing a development budget of €5 billion and serving on the World Bank’s Development Committee. From November 1997 to February 2007, Bert was a Member of the Dutch House of Representatives, focusing on foreign affairs, trade, corporate social responsibility, and international financial institutions.