Henk Ovink to join Deltares as part-time visiting fellow from 1 January 2026

Henk Ovink: "We have a shared mission for a water-secure world, for everyone, everywhere." During his tenure, Henk will focus primarily on global water issues.

Deltares is delighted with this collaboration. Bianca Peters, MT member for strategic partnerships and client relations at Deltares: "It acts as a catalyst. Henk Ovink's strength lies in his connections and his international network. Deltares' strength is its leading, applied, and innovative knowledge of water and the subsurface – in collaboration with and in all places in the world where water issues are urgent."

Water connects us all. I see Deltares as an incredible gem.

Henk Ovink

Henk Ovink has extensive international experience in the field of climate adaptation and water diplomacy. Until 2023, he was the first Dutch global water envoy. Appointed by the Dutch government, he held the role for over eight years, acting as the water ambassador.

He chaired the second UN Water Conference in 2023, and continues to lead the ongoing work of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water. Henk is known for his transformative approach and for forging coalitions, such as bringing together communities, NGOs, businesses, governments, and knowledge institutions.

Toon Segeren, Director International Deltares: "Henk is uniquely capable of highlighting the urgency of water issues and emphasising the importance of having knowledge available and using it to solve these issues. Exchanging knowledge and collaborating with partners worldwide are central to this, which fits in very well with our working method."

Henk Ovink is very enthusiastic about the renewed collaboration with Deltares: "Water connects us all. I see Deltares as an incredible gem. I therefore see it as a tremendous opportunity to work even more closely with Deltares. We have already worked together for a long time; I see my role as a part-time visiting fellow as a continuation of a long-standing and very special relationship that I cherish."

“With its authoritative knowledge, Deltares makes a real difference worldwide in improving quality of life and resilience. Internationally, there is so much potential and the need is so great that we must – and can – translate this into meaningful action. I look forward to using my experience and network to work with Deltares' young professionals, so that together we can realise innovative approaches in cooperation with international organisations, communities, other knowledge institutions, and governments.”