Marcel Vernooij

Marcel Vernooij currently serves as the Director of Public Sector Engagement at IDH, where he plays a pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships and advancing sustainable development initiatives across diverse sectors. In this capacity, Marcel leverages his extensive expertise in international relations, strategic thinking, and policy development to support IDH’s mission of transforming supply chains and promoting environmental and social sustainability. His work involves co-designing collaborative frameworks with governments, international organizations, and donor partners to ensure impactful and scalable interventions in the countries where IDH operates.

A key focus of Marcel’s role is developing targeted engagement strategies with multilateral institutions such as the ILO, WTO, and ITC, facilitating intergovernmental dialogues that align with IDH’s objectives. His experience in navigating complex diplomatic landscapes enables him to effectively represent IDH in the Netherlands, advocating for innovative policies that promote gender equality, environmental stewardship, and sustainable agriculture. Marcel’s background in trade, labor, and development, combined with his strategic approach to stakeholder engagement, allows him to identify opportunities for synergy and co-creation, ultimately strengthening the impact of IDH’s initiatives.

His leadership in coordinating government relations and international cooperation underscores his commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth. With a keen understanding of environmental and natural resource management, Marcel ensures that IDH’s collaborations are aligned with global sustainability standards, contributing to resilient supply chains and equitable development. His expertise in strategic partnerships and his analytical mindset position him as a key driver in advancing IDH’s vision of a sustainable future through effective public sector engagement and international diplomacy.