Karsten Van Riezen

Karsten is the Associate Executive Director for the East Zone (Asia, Pacific, and Global Sign Languages Team). He holds a MA in Education and a doctorate in Intercultural Studies. His experiences include literacy specialist in SIL Philippines, educational consultant in India, Board member of Indian Institute for Cross Cultural Communication, SIL South Asia Group Director and Area Director for South Asia.

Language, identity and culture are closely related. Karsten loves seeing people flourishing while building on these essential aspects of who they are. He enjoys working in partnership with a wide range of agencies and people all with a passion for the minorities of this world. With his background in education, Karsten often brings in aspects of communication and capacity development. His natural tendency to include others helps create “third spaces” for wider dialogues with different stakeholders.