If you’ve followed our updates recently, you will be aware that our International Secretariat has recently shifted from its historic base in the Shetland Islands to Aalborg municipality in Denmark. The shift entailed not just a change of venue but also a change of personnel and the appointment of a new Executive Secretary. This is an important role within our organisation as the Executive Secretary is at the forefront of not only the daily running of the Secretariat but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the organisation.
With this in mind, we caught up with KIMO International’s new Executive Secretary, Lisa Bugge Nør Larsen recently and asked her a few questions to help all KIMO members (as well as followers of KIMO’s work) to get to know her a little better.
Can you tell us a little about your background before starting as Executive Secretary at KIMO International?
My educational background is in political science. Before joining KIMO I worked a few years at the Danish Ministry for Health and then for the past five years at the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS). ICARS is an international non-profit organisation with a mission to support low- and middle-income countries in identifying evidence-based, context-specific, and cost-effective solutions to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR). I was part of the initial team developing the concept for and establishing the organisation which has now grown and become a recognised player in the global AMR landscape with more than 40 projects and employees from all over the world. My role has covered almost all aspects of the organisation, but with a primary focus on governance, partnerships, and fundraising.
My educational background is in political science. Before joining KIMO I worked a few years at the Danish Ministry for Health and then for the past five years at the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS). ICARS is an international non-profit organisation with a mission to support low- and middle-income countries in identifying evidence-based, context-specific, and cost-effective solutions to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR). I was part of the initial team developing the concept for and establishing the organisation which has now grown and become a recognised player in the global AMR landscape with more than 40 projects and employees from all over the world. My role has covered almost all aspects of the organisation, but with a primary focus on governance, partnerships, and fundraising.What inspired you to join the ‘KIMO family’?
I have always been motivated to do work that has a positive global influence. The role as Executive Secretary for KIMO is a dream position for me as it not only allows me to work with my main areas of interest (international collaboration, governance, advocacy, and fundraising) but to do so for the benefit of one of today’s most pressing global agendas.
What are the biggest challenges facing KIMO and how do you plan to address them?
When KIMO was first established it was one of the only organisations representing coastal communities and working to preserve the ocean. Today, both the importance of protecting our oceans as well as human impacts on the marine environment are globally recognised and KIMO has played an important part in pushing this agenda. More than 30 years and 80 members down the line, KIMO continues to play a crucial role as we offer unique insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by coastal communities and the role they must play in shaping sustainable ocean policies. To ensure that KIMO stays relevant in the future and makes the most of its resources I see, among other, potential to strengthen KIMO’s value proposition to its members and carve out a more defined strategic focus within the agendas that KIMO is already concerned with.
What is your vision for KIMO’s future?
My vision for KIMO is to expand membership, strengthen KIMO as a knowledge-sharing platform, increase KIMO’s international voice and to ensure that KIMO continues to be at the front of practical solutions to preserve and enhance our marine environment.
How do like to spend your spare time when you’re not at work?
When not working I enjoy spending time with my husband, two small daughters and friends. I was born in Aalborg where the Secretariat is now located and we recently moved back after almost eight years in Copenhagen.
We welcome Lisa to KIMO and wish her every success in her new role.