Ine Apapoe appointed at the Prince Claus Chair

14 July 2026

As of 1 September 2026, prof. Ine Apapoe will be appointed at the Prince Claus Chair in Equity and Development at Utrecht University. Apapoe will focus on Inclusive Governance and Tribal Societies, with special attention to Suriname and the tribal group of the Maroons. Despite their historical and cultural significance, the Maroons in some cases are still insufficiently involved in decision-making processes regarding their own development and the governance of their living area. Apapoes’ research will explore how tribal communities like the Maroons can be more involved in decision making.

The chair for Ine Apapoe brings thrust to the already close collaboration between the Anton de Kom University (AdeKUS, Paramaribo, Suriname) and Utrecht University. She will be hosted by the Strategic Research Theme Institutions for Open Societies and based at the Utrecht University School of Governance, during her two Prince Claus Chair years (2026-2028).

The awarding of the prestigious Prince Claus Chair to Ine Apapoe constitutes a significant contribution to the realization of AdeKUS's vision to become a leading university and the main knowledge center of Suriname, where research, innovation, and societal engagement take center stage. In this regard, the chair serves as a key link to further strengthen this through knowledge exchange, scientific research, and international cooperation.

Ine Apapoe

Ine Apapoe is senior lecturer at the Public Administration (policy and Government) Department at the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Anton de Kom University of Suriname and was head of this department from 2020 till 2024. Ine has worked on several research projects in the field of (local) governance, small scale gold mining, traditional governance and livelihood, land rights, gender and gender mainstreaming. In addition, one of her main topics of study is good governance and public values in modern and traditional governance structures. In November 2024 she successfully defended her dissertation at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, titled: 'Governing apart together: the structure, process and quality of modern, traditional and dual governance of traditional societies in Suriname with special reference to the Ndyuka Maroons.'

In her research, Ine Apapoe focuses on Inclusive Governance and Tribal Societies. The Chair on Equity and Development focuses gives her the opportunity to develop and expand this important topic, in collaboration with Utrecht University.

Inclusive governance means that different groups in society are involved in decision-making, and that their opinions and knowledge are taken seriously. This can lead to fairer decisions and policies that better apply to the needs of marginalized groups. This study explores how tribal communities can be more involved in decisions about their (sustainable) development and the governance of their habitat. The idea is that tribal societies have the right to set their own priorities and values, and shape development in ways that fit their social, cultural, and legal traditions, including customary law.

The research focuses on Suriname, one of the countries where tribal groups, called Maroon, still reside. Suriname is a country characterized by great cultural and ethnic diversity. Maroons are descendants of enslaved Africans who fought for their freedom from the harsh plantation life during the colonial period and built their own communities in the remote Surinamese interior, with their tribal governance system, culture, kinship system and customary law. As of today, Maroon societies still reside in the interior, led by their own leaders. Despite their historical and cultural significance, in some cases, Maroons are still insufficiently involved in decision-making processes regarding their own development and the governance of their living area. Surinamese governance institutions often neglect the rights and role of the Maroons in governance of their habitat.

This Chair aims to address that gap. It brings together ideas from political science, public administration, anthropology, law, and development studies to explore how governance systems can become more inclusive. The research will focus on how tribal societies can work as equal partners with governments, contributing their knowledge, legitimacy, and perspectives to decisions about their territories and development. Special attention is also given to the role of women and young people in decision-making within tribal communities.

By combining theory with field research, the Chair hopes to produce practical insights and recommendations for policymakers. It will also develop training materials and educational programs that incorporate indigenous knowledge, customary law, and models where state and tribal governance systems work together. Through research, education, and collaboration with policymakers, the Chair seeks to support governance systems that are more inclusive, fair, and sustainable, recognizing tribal societies as key actors in managing their lands and shaping their future.

‘A bridge between academic inquiry and community wisdom’

The PCC programme is a unique opportunity to foster international connections, share knowledge across borders, and make meaningful contributions to both academia and society, Ine Apapoe says.

An appointment at the PCC would represent more than a personal milestone; it would provide an opportunity to contribute to the Anton de Kom University’s research ambitions and strengthen its scientific impact.

I see my work as a bridge between academic inquiry and community wisdom, grounded in both empirical evidence and cultural knowledge. Through this approach, I strive to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable body of scholarship, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Maroon communities are recognized as essential to conversations on governance, development, and sustainability in Suriname and beyond.

Institutions for Open Societies

Apapoe’s work to recognise indigenous communities as equal partners in governance and the multidisciplinary expertise of Institutions for Open Societies (IOS) in the field of just transitions and governance will reinforce one another. In addition, the Chair offers IOS and Apapoe the opportunity to learn from different ways of governing and living together around the world, and fosters new international partnerships for a more inclusive, fair and sustainable future.

By strengthening the role of indigenous communities in decision-making and development, this Chair advances inclusive governance and helps shape institutions that are fair, responsive, and resilient, says Anna Gerbrandy, scientific director of the Strategic Research Theme of Utrecht University.

Utrecht University School of Governance

As Utrecht University School of Governance, we are happy with dr. Ine Apapoe joining us as the new Prince Claus chairholder, Mirko Noordegraaf (head of department) explains. The Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance has longer-term ties with Suriname through various colleagues, and would like to strengthen them through Ine, together with our ties with the Caribbean part of our Kingdom and the Caribbean. Moreover, Ine's emphasis on 'inclusive governance' contributes to a societally rooted and branched idea of governing, managing and organizing. This enriches what we stand for as USG, and more broadly Law, Economics and Governance faculty.

Anton de Kom University of Suriname

The Anton de Kom University of Suriname (AdeKUS) is the only university in Suriname that offers academic programmes and conducts scientific research. Since its founding, the university has played a leading role in higher education, scientific research, and the societal development of Suriname.

The university was founded in 1966 and officially opened its doors on November 1, 1968. Since October 17, 1983, it has borne the name Anton de Kom University of Suriname, in honour of the Surinamese resistance fighter and freedom thinker Anton de Kom.

With programmes at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels, the university trains professionals and researchers who contribute to the sustainable development of Suriname and the region.

Go to the website of AdeKUS

About the Prince Claus Chair

The Prince Claus Chair in Equity and Development is a chair that is held alternately by Utrecht University and the International Institute of Social Studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Exceptionally promising academics from low- and middle-income countries are eligible for this position. Both institutions use the Chair to advance research and education in the field of equity and international development, in line with the ideas and work of the late Prince Claus.

Ine Apapoe appointed at the Prince Claus Chair

Ine Apapoe

Inclusive Governance and Tribal Societies

‘A bridge between academic inquiry and community wisdom’

Institutions for Open Societies

Utrecht University School of Governance

Anton de Kom University of Suriname

About the Prince Claus Chair

Share

Contact

Follow UU