Minister Plenipotentiary Organizes Virtual Session on International Careers in Collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
ORANJESTAD - The Minister Plenipotentiary in Washington, D.C., Mrs. Zulema Dabian-Erasmus, is once again organizing a virtual session aimed at supporting and inspiring students and professionals from Aruba.
This session is intended for professionals interested in pursuing careers with international and regional organizations, as well as students who are nearing the completion of their studies and have international career aspirations.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the virtual session will explore opportunities for professionals from Aruba to work within international organizations. It will also provide guidance on the various career paths that can lead to positions in these institutions.
By organizing this session jointly with the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao in Washington, D.C., Mr. Jerome Beeldsnijder, the information will be presented within the broader Kingdom context and made accessible to professionals throughout the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
The session will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EST (5:00 p.m. Netherlands time).
Representation of Arubans within international and regional organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), can be of significant value to Aruba. Professional experience within these organizations provides opportunities for high-level development, international networking, specialized expertise, and increased visibility and knowledge.
These professionals can subsequently contribute to Aruba’s development both directly and indirectly through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, international partnerships, and valuable professional connections. In addition, the presence of Arubans within international organizations helps increase Aruba’s visibility on the global stage. While these professionals may not necessarily work for the Government of Aruba, they bring the perspective and realities of a small island nation to international discussions and can help identify opportunities and developments that may otherwise go unnoticed. In many ways, they serve as Aruba’s eyes and ears across various international networks.
For many years, the Netherlands, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has supported Dutch professionals in obtaining positions within international organizations. Following discussions between the National Coordinator for International Positions (NCIF), Mrs. Anita Conijn, and Minister Plenipotentiary Mrs. Dabian-Erasmus regarding the work of the NCIF and the opportunities it can also offer professionals from the Dutch Caribbean, the idea emerged to actively share this information with students and professionals from Aruba.
In addition to a presentation by Anita Conijn (NCIF), Vanessa van Dijsseldonk, currently working for the Government of Curaçao, will share her experiences working within the United Nations system.
All students and professionals are warmly invited to participate in the virtual session, “Empowering Dutch Caribbean Talent – Careers in International Organizations,” which will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EST (5:00 p.m. Netherlands time).
Registration is available at:
https://forms.gle/KL2PkeWSkLPEv56e9.

