With 12 years of experience in the humanitarian field, Christel has served as an emergency relief coordinator in various crisis and conflict zones, including Iraq, Mozambique, Lebanon, and Syria. For the last year, she has held the position of vice president of the Dutch Relief Alliance representing Plan International.

Sjauw-Koen-Fa-Mulder stated; “Since I started my career in the humanitarian sector years ago, the world has transformed significantly. We are confronted with the harsh realities of ongoing conflicts and an increasing frequency of climate-related disasters. It is more crucial than ever to provide humanitarian assistance, as well as supporting families in rebuilding their lives. This includes efforts in regions facing protracted conflict, such as Syria, Sudan, and Congo, where we provide farming families with livestock and seeds to restore agricultural production, and offer children psychosocial support in processing trauma to alleviate nightmares. We are present before, during, and after crisis hit. I am eager to continue collaborating with partners worldwide to foster a hopeful future.”

In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dutch Relief Alliance provides emergency assistance around the world. In 2024, aid organizations assisted civilians and communities in conflict-torn countries such as Sudan, Haiti, Myanmar and Yemen. The alliance also delivered humanitarian support in Gaza, Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Nigeria.

Simultaneously with Christel, Garance Reus-Deelder, director of Plan International, joins the Dutch Relief Alliance’s Supervisory Board as chair. Reus-Deelder: “2025 marks the tenth year since this alliance was established with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Local leadership and a central role for local and national relief organizations will remain a priority for the Dutch Relief Alliance in the years to come. Life-saving activities with sustainable impact, that remains our ambition.”

On the picture: Garance Reus (left) and Christel Mulder