HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium, Honorary President

Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, was born in Brussels on 5 June 1962. She is the second child of King Albert II and of Queen Paola. She is married to His Royal Highness Prince Lorenz. They have five children between the age of 6 and 21.

After her secondary education in Brussels, Princess Astrid studied art history for a year at Leiden in the Netherlands. She completed her education in Geneva, at the Institute of European Studies, and in Michigan in the United States.

Princess Astrid supports clinical and fundamental medical research. She regularly visits research projects and patients in Medical Institutes and Clinics. As Special Representative of 'Roll back Malaria' she joined the battle against this disease which still kills one million people a year in Africa, mostly small children and pregnant woman. Princess Astrid is also particularly concerned by the plight of victims of violence i.e. domestic violence or violence against civilians in war circumstances. She is therefore fully engaged in directing attention to the plight of victims of antipersonnel mines and cluster munitions. HRH is also known to be highly concerned about persons who - through a variety of circumstances - become marginalized citizens. She visits and encourages in many ways those organisations which offer assistance to those who are in need of help.

Princess Astrid made the following statement during the Woman's Forum for Economy and Society in Deauville, October 2007: "I seek to respond to the need of vulnerable people, in particular the groups of citizens who risk falling through the safety net, whether in Belgium or abroad, but refuse to conform to the image of the "Lady of Charity". Instead I seek to respond to the trust others put into me by activating a network of people and institutions which can bring about concrete results for the benefit of those who are in need of it."

Princess Astrid became Honorary Chairwoman of APOPO in 2009, supporting its endeavour towards a better future for vulnerable communities affected by landmines.

Professor Mic Billet, Chairman

Mic is a sociologist and psychologist who lectured at Antwerp University. In the late 1960s he co-founded the Department of Product Development. For almost 20 years, Mic produced numerous socially oriented programs on Belgian Television, raising awareness on difficult social challenges. Mic co-founded APOPO and has been APOPO's chairman since 1998.

Josse Van Steenberge, Vice-Chairman

Josse is APOPO's Vice-Chairman and President of the Antwerp University Association. Josse is a Doctor of Law, Master of Political and Social Sciences and Social Law, and Bachelor of Philosophy. He was Rector of Antwerp University from 1995 to 2003, and is a promoter of research and educational projects in Central and South Africa.

Rudy Van Eysendeyk

Rudy is the General Manager of the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp. From 1997 to 2000 he served as Director General to the Flemish Parliament. Rudy holds a Masters degree in diplomatic sciences, and has a vast experience in crisis management in the banking, petro-chemical engineering and construction industries.

Inge Weber

Inge is the CEO of Levanto, a Belgian social enterprise promoting stable employment for the long term unemployed. Inge holds a Masters degree in Political Sciences (VUB) and Development Economics (ULB) and a Master in Finance & Administration (BKR-Antwerp).

Piet Van Hove

Piet Van Hove is the head of the International Relations Office of the University of Antwerp, Belgium, where he previously studied law. His office is responsible for policy formulation and implementation in the field of internationalisation, including cooperation with developing countries. He is also a board member of the European Association for International Education (EAIE).

Xavier Delaval

Xavier Deleval is head of MobileXpense, a successful IT venture launched in 2001 and Non-Executive Director of several private companies. He holds a Masters degree in Engineering and in business administration. Next to his business activities, Xavier is also Vice-President of ETM-KDW, an NGO supporting social integration and education of street children in developing countries.