H.E. Mr. Paul BEKKERS

H.E. Mr. Paul BEKKERS

Paul has extensive work experience in various areas of international relations, including
peace and security, human rights, economic affairs, development cooperation, sustainable
trade, environmental affairs, arts and culture.

 

Before coming to Geneva, Paul was the Netherlands’ Special Envoy for Mental Health and
Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), and leading the Corona Taskforce, as well as the Sexual
Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) Taskforce.

 

From 2016-2020 Paul was working for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe (OSCE), which is based in Vienna, as the Chief of Staff and Deputy Head of the
Secretariat.

 

Before joining the OSCE he served as Ambassador of the Netherlands to Poland and Belarus
from 2013–2016, and to Malaysia from 2009-2013.

 

Paul was Director for Health, Gender and Civil Society at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
at the same time Special Ambassador for HIV/AIDS from 2005-2009.

 

Earlier in his career he served in Ghana, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo),
South-Africa and Turkey, and in several positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the
Hague.

 

Paul has a master’s degree in law and studied economics and history. At present, he studies
spirituality and science.

 

Paul is married to Agneta Linssen and they have three children, two sons and a daughter

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  • Organization
    Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
  • Profession
    Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative

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