Hope through solidarity

Social (in)equality, civil unrest and rapid technological developments are all influencing society and public governance. How can individuals, organisations and communities remain resilient in the face of these challenges? At the Institute for Societal Resilience, researchers, professionals and societal partners work together to find answers to these and other pressing questions.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has its own citizens’ assembly made up of 130 students and employees: Sustainability University Assembly. Participants take part in a democratic process to consider the question: how can VU Amsterdam become more sustainable? The recommendations resulting from the assembly are presented to the Executive Board and help shape the university’s new sustainability strategy.

Researchers at the Athena Institute are committed to aligning research and innovation more closely with the needs of society. They focus especially on groups whose voices are not usually heard. The institute brings together knowledge and expertise from a wide range of stakeholders, integrating these perspectives to achieve sustainable change with an emphasis on inclusivity, equality and sustainability.

Examples of projects:
The research project SamenWelzijn aims to strengthen and connect neighbourhood initiatives and local resources to enhance the well-being of residents. Researchers work alongside local residents, healthcare professionals, social workers and the municipality to identify what’s needed to create warm, engaged and caring communities.

In collaboration with the municipality of Amsterdam, the Athena Institute is also working on the development of healthy and sustainable canteens across the city. Local organisations come together to exchange ideas about how Amsterdam residents can support one another in this effort. Participating organisations include Amsterdam UMC, Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam and Gemeente Amsterdam.

The Diversity Office draws on its knowledge, expertise and experience across the entire university to ensure that students and employees feel at home at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Several networks and associations within the university are also committed to diversity and inclusion, paying particular attention to underrepresented groups. Together, they work to strengthen connections – between students and among employees.