Meet the ambassador - NL Host Nation
Meet the ambassador
Paul van den IJssel is the Ambassador for International Organisations in the Netherlands. He previously served as the Netherlands’ ambassador to Jordan and as Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Was it always your ambition to become an ambassador?
‘I was always interested in politics and foreign countries as a child. After joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs I was posted to the Dutch embassy in Nigeria as third secretary, and that cemented my ambition. As an ambassador I try to create a positive atmosphere and motivate and inspire my team.’
You were appointed Ambassador for International Organisations in the Protocol and Host Country Affairs Department (DPG) in 2022. What was the first thing you noticed when you started? And what surprised you most?
‘Having served as Permanent Representative to the ICC, OPCW and in Geneva, I was familiar with international organisations . At DPG I was immediately struck by the positive atmosphere at DPG and people’s empathy and curiosity. In my current job I’m more involved in major developments, but there are also smaller, more intensive duties that take up a lot of time. And much of the communication is done through diplomatic notes. That’s a more traditional, formal way of communicating that you don’t see much in other BZ departments.’
What do you enjoy about working at DPG?
‘I like the fact that staff here all do different things. My colleagues in the Visits and Events Division (DPG/BE) organise visits by dignitaries, while the Host Country Division (DPG/NG) – which also manages the ministry’s personal records database PROBAS – and people in my department do something else entirely. And yet together we form a united team.’
What are the main issues that the Netherlands works on with international organisations ? And what challenges does it face as a host country?
‘The Netherlands is a host country to 39 international organisations . Security is a constant concern. The world is changing, and because international organisations are often involved in sensitive issues, they can be exposed to threats. As host country we ensure that international organisations are safe here and can do their work as they need to. The Netherlands is also active in multilateral partnerships: we believe in multilateralism and international law.’
What is the most important part of your work as ambassador?
‘The most important thing is that my colleagues and I enjoy working together. A good atmosphere at work makes the work itself more enjoyable, makes it easier for people to get along and will lead to better results. I sincerely believe that diplomacy is all about people.’
Has anything in your work left a lasting impression on you?
‘When I was the ambassador to Jordan I saw big groups of refugees heading for Europe. Together with other ambassadors from EU countries, I helped convince the EU and the Netherlands to offer prospects to people – housing, education and work in Jordan and market access for Jordanian companies. Another thing that has stuck with me is how much Jordanians like ambassadors. Children often asked me to pose for photos with them, and I always enjoyed that a lot!’
What do you do when you’re not working?
‘I like to read and I’m a keen theatre-goer. And as well as walking and cycling myself, I enjoy watching sporting events like the Tour de France.’