Axel Marx

Axel Marx serves as Deputy Director of the Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies at KU Leuven, where he has managed over 70 funded research projects since 2007. His academic credentials include degrees from the University of Leuven, University of Hull, and University of Cambridge, followed by a PhD in Social Sciences from KU Leuven. His scholarly impact is evidenced by over 200 publications in ten languages, appearing in leading journals and influential edited volumes on global governance, labor rights, and trade policy. As Deputy Director, he has pioneered educational initiatives including MOOCs on Sustainable Development Goals and Sustainable Trade for EdX, while co-chairing the Academic Advisory Council of the United Nations Forum on Sustainability Standards. His expertise has been sought by numerous international organizations, including European institutions, United Nations organizations, and multiple national governments. He has developed significant contributions to understanding voluntary sustainability standards, human rights, global governance, and EU trade policy, while serving on prestigious committees such as the Evidensia Research Council and ILO Labour Provisions steering committee. Through his leadership at the Centre, which holds distinctions as both a KU Leuven Centre of Excellence and Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, he continues to shape international policy and research in global governance and sustainable development, while maintaining active engagement in consulting work for major international organizations and government bodies.