What does it mean to be connected to the world around you? In a time of increasing divisions, the need for connection is greater than ever. Several speakers highlighted the power and necessity of world citizenship at global, national and local levels during the Opening Academic Year.
Sigrid Kaag, former Deputy Prime Minister and former UN Under-Secretary-General, impressed with her keynote on the need for world citizenship in our time. She showed how curiosity, knowledge and courage give direction in taking responsibility and in cooperation around global issues.
Clemens Kaupa and two alumni of the Law Clinic showed how their research on climate law has helped shape the course of international policy, a result we as VU Amsterdam are proud of.
Writer in Residence Thomas Heerma van Voss brought the topic closer with his experiences volunteering with the Democratic party in an election campaign in Pennsylvania, illustrating how small-scale action can be meaningful. The VU Griffioen Dance Crew provided an energetic interlude.
Finally, the roundtable discussion with Imara Simson, Jaap Seidell and Doutje Lettinga, led by VU alumnus Tanja Jadnanansing, showed how world citizenship is taking concrete shape in Amsterdam, through inspiring initiatives from the neighbourhoods. In doing so, it became clear that major themes are given local meaning.
