Introducing new ECDPM director San Bilal

News – 25 September 2024

We are pleased to announce the appointment of San Bilal as the new director of ECDPM as of 1 October 2024. With over 25 years of experience in international cooperation and sustainable development, San Bilal is perfectly placed to further ECDPM’s reputation as a leading think tank and navigate an evolving geopolitical landscape. He succeeds Carl Michiels, who is retiring after a distinguished career.

“San Bilal brings a deep understanding of the think tank landscape, Africa-Europe cooperation and the broader global context,” said Adebayo Olukoshi, chair of the ECDPM Board. “His expertise and profound commitment to ECDPM make him uniquely suited to lead the organisation, especially during such transformative geopolitical times.”

San Bilal has worked at ECDPM for over two decades, most recently as senior executive and associate director of the sustainable economies and climate action cluster. He specialises in development and climate finance, sustainable investment, and economic recovery and transformation, with a particular focus on the EU's financial and strategic frameworks for development, trade and investment. His work also covers trade, regional integration, industrialisation and economic diplomacy. As a coordination member of the OECD Blended Finance Working Group, the European Think Tanks Group, the Ukȧmȧ Africa-Europe platform for sustainable development, and Finance in Common initiatives, among others, he contributes to advancing knowledge and partnership approaches to tackle international sustainability challenges.

San Bilal holds a PhD in international economics from the University of Birmingham, a master’s degree from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Geneva. Before joining ECDPM, he worked at ODI, EIPA and the economics department of the University of Geneva.

On his appointment, San Bilal said: “I am excited to lead a team of talented colleagues and work with our partners to drive innovative solutions in a fragmented world facing complex and interconnected challenges, building on the strong foundations established under the guidance of Carl Michiels. I am confident that ECDPM is well-positioned to help advance dialogue, knowledge and partnerships with the aim of harmonising geostrategic interests with sustainable development and climate goals.”

The Board, management and staff of ECDPM congratulate San Bilal on his appointment and extend their heartfelt gratitude to Carl Michiels for his dedicated service and invaluable contributions as ECDPM director over the past six years.

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