Eelco Kessels Email & Phone Number

Washington, District Of Columbia, Us

As Executive Director of the Global Center, I have the privilege to work with a dynamic team of colleagues and international partners to make the world a more just and secure place. Since 2004, we have managed more than $60 million to deliver over 300 programs, engaging more than 60 countries and working with thousands of government, private sector, and civil society actors to address the root causes of violent extremism.In addition to overseeing the Global Center's strategic and organizational direction and daily operations, I coordinate research and programming activities related to managing and reintegrating terrorism offenders, identifying and addressing violent extremist radicalization in prisons, countering violent extremism, and rule of law–based approaches to counterterrorism. I frequently address the United Nations’ Security Council and General Assembly and advise governments and private sector entities on policies and practices that are globally informed and locally grounded.

Washington, District Of Columbia, Us

Washington, District Of Columbia, Us

The Hague, Nl

The International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT) – The Hague is an independent think tank focused on the preventative and international legal aspects of counter-terrorism. As ICCT's Programme Manager, I was responsible for the overall coordination of the Centre’s (research) projects in terms of progress, finances, and output quality. I coordinated the work of the Centre’s programmatic and administrative staff and research fellows. Furthermore, I played a central role in the development of new initiatives, for instance focused on strengthening the voices of victims of terrorism, several training modules for prison officials on the rehabilitation and reintegration of terrorism offenders, and legal capacity building to ensure adequate witness protection during terrorism-related court cases.

Den Haag, Nl

Conducted research and lectured on (the prevention of) radicalization to violent extremism, countering violent extremist narratives, and the role of community policing in counterterrorism.

The Hague, South Holland, Nl

A six-month project at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during which I worked on the preparatory committee for the creation of an International Counterterrorism Institute as requested in a motion by the Dutch Parliament. We were responsible for translating the motion into actual policy, which involved the formulation of and ministerial agreement on the mission, research focus, activities and positioning of the new institute, and the acquisition of both national and international (political) support for the Dutch initiative.

Three-month placement in which I assisted the researchers at ICSR with various research projects.

Ma International Peace And Security (With Distinction), International Law, International Relations And Conflict Studies

Ba (Hons) Social Sciences (Cum Laude), Major International Law, Minor Conflict Studies