Special Envoy for Water

About the Water Envoy for the Kingdom of the Netherlands

The Water Envoy is appointed by the Dutch Cabinet and reports directly to the ministers. In the role as thematic ambassador, the Water Envoy strengthens the Dutch international water ambition at home and abroad for the entire sector and, on behalf of and for, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Infrastructure and Water Management, Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, and Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.

Since August 2023, Meike van Ginneken has been appointed as Water Envoy. Through water and economic diplomacy, she connects a close network in the Netherlands with a strong international network. She works closely with our Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Representations. The Water Envoy operates across the full spectrum of the water sector as well as affiliated sectors and connects with many national and international partners like government agencies, multilateral organisations, knowledge institutions, private sector and civil society organizations. 

The Water Envoy’s core objectives focus on creating awareness, building coalitions, facilitating water diplomacy, boosting innovation and above all stimulating action on the ground!