| Saskia Walden | |
| Birth Name: | Saskia Natacia Walden |
| Birth Date: | 6 July 1974 |
| Birth Place: | Suriname |
| Office1: | Minister of Economic Affairs |
| Term Start1: | 16 July 2020 |
| Term End1: | 18 April 2022 |
| Party: | Progressive Reform Party (VHP) |
| Occupation: | Accountant, educator |
| Nationality: | Suriname |
Saskia Natacia Walden (born 6 July 1974) is a Surinamese accountant and educator. She served as Minister of Economic Affairs from 16 July 2020 to 18 April 2022.
Walden was born on 6 July 1974.[1] In 1999, she obtained her bachelor's degree in accountancy from the Port of Spain campus of the Andrews University. In 2011, she obtained a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas.[2] [1]
Walden started her career as a mathematics and accounting teacher. Later, she became a corporate accountant, and worked for the Surinamese Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education.[3] In 2014, she became the Secretary of the Surinamese Checkers Union.[4] In 2020, she was working for the Surinamese insurance company Assuria, and was nominated by the Progressive Reform Party (VHP).[5]
On 16 July 2020, Walden was appointed as Minister of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship, and Technological Innovation in the cabinet of Chan Santokhi.[6] In October 2021, it was revealed that she was still the owner of nine corporations and foundations.[7] In her defence, Walden stated that she had performed no activities since her appointment,[8] and that ownership is not forbidden according to the Constitution of Suriname.[9]
Walden resigned as minister on 18 April 2022,[10] but indicated that she would remain available for future service.[11]