Olivier Cogels is an internationally recognized Belgian expert in water geopolitics and diplomacy. His insightful lectures address critical global issues such as “Will humanity face a water shortage?”, “Are water wars imminent?”, and “How can we prevent them?” His long commitment to addressing global water issues has involved collaborations with... Read more
Olivier Cogels is an internationally recognized Belgian expert in water geopolitics and diplomacy. His insightful lectures address critical global issues such as “Will humanity face a water shortage?”, “Are water wars imminent?”, and “How can we prevent them?”
His long commitment to addressing global water issues has involved collaborations with a wide range of stakeholders, from nomadic villages in the Sahel to governments, diplomats, and major international organizations.
He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences from UCLouvain, Belgium, and conducted postdoctoral research in irrigation science at the University of California. His expertise, developed in over fifty countries, is supplemented by his role as a part-time academic, teaching at various universities in Europe and Africa, and serving as an Emeritus Professor at UCLouvain.
His career began in academia and teaching before founding a company specializing in satellite remote sensing. He then led the Belgian international cooperation in Senegal. As a Director at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome, he headed a program on innovative irrigation technologies. In Southeast Asia, as CEO of the Mekong River Commission, he played a crucial role in enhancing water cooperation between China and Mekong basin countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
Recognized for his expertise in water geopolitics and diplomacy, Cogels has continued his career as a senior consultant for major international organizations. His advisory roles include shaping the World Bank’s hydraulic development strategy in the Nile basin and providing expertise to the European Commission, various UN agencies, and multiple bilateral cooperation entities.
In addressing global hydro-climatic challenges, Cogels rejects a catastrophic and fatalistic view. He strongly believes that through multi-sectoral cooperation, coordinated investments, innovative solutions, and more effective governance, these challenges can be met. This belief is a central theme in his lectures.
Cogels’ exceptional journey, along with his steadfast dedication to water-related causes for nearly half a century, has established him as a passionate and inspiring speaker. He is eager to inform and motivate those interested in responsible and equitable water resource management on our planet.
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You can book Olivier Cogels through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Olivier's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Olivier Cogels's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Olivier tailored to your event.
Olivier Cogels speaks on Agriculture, Cities & Environment, Climate, Sustainability. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Olivier to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Olivier Cogels for events worldwide, subject to Olivier's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Olivier Cogels is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Olivier can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Olivier Cogels on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Olivier can offer.
Olivier Cogels delivers keynotes in English, French. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Olivier Cogels's areas of expertise include Agriculture, Cities & Environment, Climate, Sustainability. To get a clear sense of Olivier's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Olivier Cogels can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Agriculture, Cities & Environment, Climate, Sustainability is relevant. Details of Olivier's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Olivier Cogels is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Olivier Cogels, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Olivier's current availability for your dates.