Class XI (2013-2014)

Sponsor Club: Genval Rotary Club, Belgium. District 2170.

Host Club: Toowong Rotary Club, District 9600

Originally from Brussels, Belgium, Christophe graduated in Economics and International Management from the ICHEC Brussels Management School. Showing a true interest in engaging with different cultures and in helping others, Christophe rapidly took a turn towards the humanitarian sector and started to work as an emergency relief worker for international NGOs.

Working in 4 different countries, Christophe developed solid expertise in coordination and management of emergency and early recovery projects in situations of conflict, post-conflict and natural disaster. He assisted the victims of deadly floods in India and Pakistan and he worked with internally displaced populations fleeing conflicts in Iraq and Pakistan. In Eastern DR-Congo, he brought assistance to a population trapped in a deep-seated and almost two decade-old conflict. In the DRC, he was exposed to the dramatic consequences of a destructive protracted conflict whose first victims are civilians.

While Christophe showed both personal and professional enthusiasm working in the humanitarian field, his fellowship at UQ has helped him to cast a fresh critical eye on the role of the international community in conflicts around the world. Christophe values the inclusion of different narratives to better understand international relations. He favors a holistic approach to conflict analysis and resolution.

He is greatly concerned by injustice and inequalities around the world and believes fairer and more inclusive societies would lead to a more peaceful world.

Christophe carried out his Applied Fieldwork Experience in the US and the Philippines as a Research Fellow with the human rights organization International Accountability Project. He supported a global action-research study including 8 communities around the world, all of which are affected by projects that cause displacement and eviction.