The Impact of You(th) on Global changes

The afternoon opened with a welcome from Professor Dirk-Jan Koch of ISS, followed by introductions to both ISS and the NICC. Foundation Bernice Oerlemans presented NICC's work, describing its role as a heritage collection of physical and digital materials related to Dutch international cooperation and solidarity. She also introduced the audience to NICC's timeline projects, which chart key developments in the history of Dutch international cooperation. A central question running through the event was how young people can make a meaningful impact on global challenges. Speakers and organisations shared a range of perspectives on this theme, addressing issues such as climate change, options for international solidarity, and the need for systemic transformation. Presentations highlighted diverse ways for young people to get involved — from activism and raising awareness to everyday decisions, such as choosing a bank whose policies reflect one's values, that can contribute to social and environmental goals. The keynote address was delivered by Jurriaan Middelhoff, Youth Ambassador at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Drawing on his experience in development cooperation and international affairs, he reflected on the Dutch government's Youth at Heart approach and stressed the importance of connecting education with employment opportunities, engaging the private sector, supporting meaningful youth participation, and recognising young people as genuine stakeholders in development processes. His address was followed by a question-and-answer session.

A panel discussion then brought together former Minister for Development Cooperation Jan Pronk, a youth representative active in international cooperation, and the director of Partos, an umbrella body of internationally oriented Dutch civil society organisations, including trade unions. The conversation focused on youth engagement, international solidarity, and the relationship between younger and older generations working toward shared goals.

A recurring theme throughout the afternoon was intergenerational exchange. Older participants reflected on earlier efforts to foster international solidarity — notably through educational and media initiatives that brought the stories of children and communities in the Global South to audiences in the Global North. Younger participants, in turn, pointed to the opportunities that digital technologies and social media now offer for more direct and immediate forms of international connection.

The discussion also surfaced a proposal to expand existing school exchange programmes as a way of deepening ties between young people in Europe and the Global South. The event additionally served as the launch of a new NICC project: a timeline exploring the roles of youth in international solidarity and cooperation. The project aims to trace the different ways in which young people have engaged with international solidarity and cooperation over time, and to examine how policies relating to youth and children have evolved alongside those efforts.

The afternoon closed with a period of reflection and a networking session at the Butterfly Bar. The overall atmosphere was positive and forward-looking, with a clear shared conviction that both younger and older generations have vital contributions to make to international solidarity and to addressing the global challenges of our time.