Hester Postma Email & Phone Number

Breda, North Brabant, Netherlands

The objective of the project on Military Diplomacy is to professionalize this domain as a strategic capacity for the Netherlands. In this way, the armed forces of the Netherlands can more comprehensively identify, monitor, appreciate and potentially influence security developments in pursuit of the foreign- and security policy objectives. The domain is professionalized in a holistic manner via policy advice, the development of education and training and scientific research (strategy, preparation and innovation).

Antwerp, Flemish Region, Belgium

The aim of the research was to investigate whether non-state actors can hold private actors in the supply chain of 'conflict minerals' to account in case of non-compliance with transnational regulations. I studied the potential of ITSCI as a non-state governance initiative regulating upstream 'conflict mineral' supply chains. ITSCI is a due diligence programme that works with memberships for companies extracting and trading 'conflict minerals' in the Great Lakes Region, following the Dodd Frank Act Section 1502 (2010) and the EU Conflict Minerals Regulation (2017).

Brussels Area, Belgium

My main responsibilities were directed at conducting background and documentary research on development issues. I furthermore prepared weekly reports on humanitarian crises for Committee Members. In addition I assisted with preparing the constitution of the new DEVE committee following the European elections and supported the Task Force and the monitoring group for the negotiations of a new Partnership Agreement between the EU and the countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (which started in September 2018). Furthermore I analyzed and summarized the activities of the Committee over the last legislative term (2014-2019).

Maputo, Mozambique

My main duties were to serve the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Mozambique in the areas of Politics, Press and Public diplomacy. I assisted with the organization of the official state visit of the Mozambican President to the Netherlands and with the organization of the involvement of the Dutch private sector in FACIM, the largest annual trade fair in Mozambique. Where necessary, I participated in external meetings and events and reported the results to my team. In addition I assisted with the writing of reports, speeches and briefings. I was responsible for the innovation and execution of the communication policy and the organization of events.

Kuala Lumpur, Maleisië

Here I supported the general director and was responsible for recruiting sponsors and volunteers, organizing events and increasing the visibility of the organization. The highlight was when I was given the opportunity to present the concept of IDEAS Academy together with UNHCR Malaysia to more than 200 elementary school directors. This ultimately led to the realization of the first high school for stateless persons and refugees in Malaysia.

Master'S Degree, International Relations And Diplomacy

Focus on political economy and development policies. Participated in the Council of Europe during EUROSIM Brussels (representing Estonia).

Master'S Degree, Intercultural Communication

Focus on linguistic and cultural diversity to contribute to mutual understanding within Europe and beyond. Selected to be one of the four.

Bachelor Of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Communicatie

Activities and Societies: Reiscommissie KIC 2011-2012Minor in Journalism. Study abroad: 1 semester at USIL University in Lima, Peru..