Isabelle Durant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isabelle Durant
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Isabelle Durant in 2019
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| Senator | |
| In office 2003 – June 2011 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 September 1954 |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Political party | Ecolo The Greens–European Free Alliance |
| Spouse | Jean-Claude Willame |
| Residence | Geneva |
| Website | www.isabelledurant.be |
Isabelle Annie J. Durant was born on September 4, 1954. She is a Belgian politician from the Ecolo party. Isabelle Durant has held important roles both in Belgium and internationally.
She served as a top official at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). From 2017 to 2021, she was the Deputy Secretary-General. Later, from 2021 to 2022, she was the acting Secretary-General of the organization.
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Isabelle Durant's Early Life and Studies
Isabelle Durant first trained and worked as a nurse. She also became a trainer for people working in healthcare. She helped schools in areas where many working-class families lived.
Later, she continued her education. She earned a bachelor's degree in social and economic politics. She studied at the Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium.
Isabelle Durant's Political Journey
Isabelle Durant has been involved in politics for many years. She started as a leader for the Ecolo party. This is a green political party in Belgium.
- 1994–1999: She was a Federal Secretary and Spokesperson for Ecolo. She worked with other leaders like Jacky Morael and Dany Josse.
Serving as Deputy Prime Minister (1999–2003)
From 1999 to 2003, Isabelle Durant held a very important job. She was the Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium. She also served as the Minister of Mobility and Transport. This means she was in charge of things like roads, trains, and airports.
She was part of the government led by Guy Verhofstadt. In 2003, she and another party member decided to leave the government. This happened after a disagreement about night flights from Brussels Airport.
Working as a Senator (2003–2011)
After leaving the government, Isabelle Durant became a member of the Belgian Senate. A Senator is like a lawmaker who helps create new laws for the country. She served in the Senate from 2003 to 2011.
As a Senator, she worked on committees dealing with foreign affairs and social issues. She also traveled to different countries. She helped observe elections in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, and Tunisia.
From 2004, she again served as a Federal Secretary and Spokesperson for Ecolo.
Representing Belgium in Europe (2009–2014)
In 2009, Isabelle Durant was elected to the European Parliament. This is a group of lawmakers from different countries in Europe. They work together to make laws for the entire European Union.
She became a Vice President of the European Parliament. This is a high-ranking position. She worked under the president, Martin Schulz. She was also part of committees that managed budgets and dealt with relations with countries like Iran.
In 2010, she supported a group called the Spinelli Group. This group wanted to make the European Union work more closely together. Other famous people like Jacques Delors also supported this idea.
In 2013, Isabelle Durant led a group of European Parliament members to Tehran. They met with important officials and human rights lawyers there.
Leading at the United Nations (2017–2022)
In 2017, Isabelle Durant was chosen for a big role at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This organization helps countries with trade and development.
She became the Deputy Secretary-General of UNCTAD. In 2021, she took over as the acting Secretary-General. She led the organization until 2022.
Other Ways Isabelle Durant Contributes
Isabelle Durant is also a member of the Board of Trustees for "Friends of Europe." This group works to promote discussions and ideas about Europe.
Awards and Recognition
- 2014: She received a high honor called Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold. This is a special award from Belgium.
