Ralien Bekkers has been working on climate action since the age of sixteen. In the Netherlands, the United States, and various regions of the world. From activism, advocacy and advice, to research, politics and negotiations, to national and international policy. And from local organizations to the United Nations.
She holds a B.Sc. in Future Planet Studies from the University of Amsterdam, a M.Sc. in Public Financial Management with Distinction from SOAS University of London, and a Master of Environmental Management (M.E.M.) from Yale University.
Between 2012 and 2015 she was actively involved in the United Nations negotiations for the Paris Climate Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals. From 2017 until 2023, she worked in Washington, D.C. at the NDC Partnership – a global coalition that supports countries on implementing their climate commitments – focusing among others on Asia, the Middle East and Small Island States.
Recently she returned to the Netherlands to launch her first book and lead international climate work at the Dutch Ministry of Finance. She continues to work on driving ambitious climate action in line with sustainable development, with a particular focus on financing effective climate solutions and mainstreaming gender equality and broader social inclusion considerations.
Global climate action
(2015 – now)
Yale University
(2014 – 2017)
United Nations
(2012 – 2015)
Youth Leadership
(2009 – 2014)
