Defne Aksel

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT DEFNE AKSEL

I am a Junior Policy Analyst at the OECD’s Trade and Agriculture Directorate (TAD), Agriculture and Resource Policy Division (ARP), where I contribute to monitoring and analysing agricultural support policies in EU Member States and Türkiye. My work focuses on evaluating the productivity, sustainability, and resilience of agriculture, developing evidence-based insights, and supporting international dialogue to build better policies for better lives.Previously, I worked as a Sustainability Consultant at EY Istanbul’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) team, helping organizations navigate ESG complexities, align with global and national sustainability frameworks, and implement strategies for long-term environmental and social impact.I hold a Master’s degree in Environmental Policy from the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA), Sciences Po, and a dual Bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Urban Studies & Public Policy Studies from the University of Chicago. With diverse experience across consulting, think tanks, NGOs, academia, the private and legal sectors, and now the international policy sphere at the OECD, I bring a multidisciplinary and international perspective to advancing sustainability and policy goals.My expertise spans agricultural and environmental policy, corporate sustainability (CSR/ESG), renewable energy, and urban development. I combine analytical rigor, policy research, and strategic communication to support decision-making and drive solutions at the intersection of sustainability, agriculture, and governance.