Martijn Pluim will head Clingendael’s Academy per 1 September 2025

As of September 1, Martijn Pluim will start as a Director of the Clingendael Academy.

Martijn Pluim has acquired broad experience in the European and international field ever since he finished his studies International Relations at the University of Amsterdam. For the past two years Martijn was Programme Director at the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA). Prior to that he was Director at the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in Vienna for over twenty years. In that role, he supervised the operational portfolio of ICMPD as well as the secretariates of four migration dialogues between Africa, Asia and Europe. He worked two years at the European Commission, (EuropeAid) on border management, human trafficking and long-term displacement. In addition, he was a member of the European Expert Group on Trafficking in Human Beings. In these positions, he has built up a large international network and gained extensive management experience.

Martijn Pluim is looking forward to his new position:

“Diplomacy today calls for a broader and more flexible set of skills than ever before. Diplomats and others in the international field are working in a fast-changing world shaped by shifting geopolitical power relations, increasing divides, digital disruption, security risks and climate pressures. They need to be strong communicators, tech-savvy, culturally aware, and able to build partnerships with an ever-widening range of actors, often under time pressure and in unpredictable circumstances.

Building on the great work by the Founder and former Director of Academy Ron Ton and Clingendael’s strong track record, I’m excited to work with our Dutch and international partners to equip international professionals around the globe with the tools and expertise they need to meet these new realities.”

Clingendael’s General Director Monika Sie Dhian Ho adds:

“With Martijn we will surely solidify the legacy of 40 years that Clingendael brings to the table as one of the world’s leading diplomatic academies. Moreover, together with our academy staff, Martijn can innovate in training programmes and lead the Clingendael Academy to an even stronger international positioning. The demand for training in international skills of professionals is on the rise, and we are happy to have Martijn on board to head our thriving Academy.”