The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has appointed Jaime de Bourbon de Parme as the new Director of its Environment Directorate, effective January 2026. With over two decades of experience in international diplomacy, climate policy, and sustainable development, de Bourbon de Parme is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the OECD’s environmental initiatives.
The Environment Directorate at the OECD is instrumental in aiding national governments by providing comprehensive cross-country environmental data, robust economic and policy analyses, and actionable recommendations. The directorate’s work supports both domestic objectives and international commitments, fostering effective and economically efficient environmental policies among member countries and partners.
Jaime de Bourbon de Parme joins the OECD from his position as Climate Envoy for the Netherlands. Since 2021, he has represented the Dutch Prime Minister and five ministries at significant international forums, including the UNFCCC and the G20. His responsibilities included coordinating the Netherlands’ comprehensive international climate strategy, which encompasses climate finance, energy transitions, water management, food systems, and nature-based solutions.
Extensive Experience in Climate Policy
De Bourbon de Parme has been an active participant in global climate discussions. He has served on the Board of the Green Climate Fund and was a member of the UNFCCC Transitional Committee on Loss and Damage. His leadership facilitated high-level diplomatic dialogues with China and other European partners, aimed at advancing global climate action.
Prior to his role as Climate Envoy, de Bourbon de Parme held various significant positions, including Senior Advisor at the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). There, he focused on improving access to clean energy, financial resources, and digital connectivity for displaced communities. His tenure as Ambassador of the Netherlands to the Holy See saw him promote collaboration on pressing issues such as climate change, migration, and peace, while also advocating for interfaith dialogue surrounding sustainability.
Jaime’s prior experience also includes serving as Special Envoy for Natural Resources, where he chaired an Informal Multi-stakeholder Steering Group on responsible mineral supply chains, overseeing implementation in Africa. His extensive background in crisis management and peacekeeping in Iraq and Afghanistan, coupled with his roles in economic policy at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Commission, underscores his comprehensive skill set.
Educational Background and Future Goals
A dual national of the Netherlands and Spain, de Bourbon de Parme holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and International Economics (Conflict Management) from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Visual Arts from Brown University.
As he prepares to take the helm of the OECD Environment Directorate, de Bourbon de Parme’s extensive background and commitment to climate policy will be crucial in guiding the Organisation’s efforts. Working with over 100 countries, the OECD continues to serve as a global policy forum, promoting strategies that enhance individual liberties and improve the economic and social well-being of people worldwide.
