Biography
Margherita Lulli has been Head of the Hanoi Regional Office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) since 1st September 2024, with responsibility for a broad geographical area covering Southeast Asia and the Pacific. In this role, she provides strategic direction and oversees the operational coordination of Italian development cooperation activities across a diverse regional context. She promotes dialogue and cooperation with partner governments, diplomatic missions, international organizations, civil society, and the donor community. Her work combines institutional representation with the technical and managerial oversight of programmes, helping translate development cooperation priorities into effective and sustainable initiatives.
As an expert in international development cooperation, she has extensive experience in Africa, the Mediterranean and Asia, having held management, coordination and technical assistance positions with AICS, the Italian Cooperation and international non-governmental organizations. Throughout her career, she has worked in several countries, including Indonesia, Somalia, Kenya, Libya, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan. These experiences have given her an in-depth understanding of the political, social and institutional contexts in which international cooperation operates, as well as a pragmatic approach to programme management in complex and rapidly evolving environments. Her work is guided by a strong focus on results, accountability, and long-term impact.
With a background in anthropology, she brings particular attention to the social and cultural dimensions of development. In Kenya, she conducted research on the social management of water among Meru-Tigania communities, examining the relationships between natural resources, local institutions and community practices. This academic background has shaped her professional approach, highlighting the importance of contextual analysis, participation, and solutions rooted in local realities.
Throughout her career, she has combined strategic vision, field experience and institutional engagement, promoting inclusive partnerships and development processes that respond to local priorities while contributing to the broader objectives of international development cooperation.
