State of the Region 2023

We need to make bold choices for the Metropolis of Tomorrow, ensuring that all residents matter.

How will we relate to each other? Who will take ownership? What is our influence as residents? How will we work together differently? Where will that cause friction and who will feel the pain?

It is time to change the point of view and do differently!

We will start at 4:30 pm, guided by Janine Abbring and Tex de Wit. You’ll see examples of what initiatives in the region have already accomplished by “changing the point of view and doing things differently” and also what they need from you to move forward.

Femke Halsema, as chairperson at the Amsterdam Economic Board and the Metropoolregio Amsterdam, makes an appeal to change the point of view and do things differently, by rethinking our approaches and by engaging with all stakeholders. Halsema will reflect on the pamphlet ‘Choosing what is needed for the Metropolis of Tomorrow’ from different perspectives.

Changing one’s point of view and do things differently sounds simple, but it requires a big change from all parties involved. On this topic, Femke Halsema, Ingo Uytdehaage (co-CEO Adyen), Soraya Shawki (researcher/community builder Open Embassy) and Thomas Rau (architect, entrepreneur and innovator) will discuss. From the audience, of course, you’re welcome to particpate and raise your voice.

Before and after the main programme, there will be ample time to meet.

Starting at 2:30 pm, we will host the following side events:

• Economische Verkenningen MRA (EVMRA 2023) – VU professor Prof. Dr. Henri de Groot discusses and analyses the choices we face using the latest insights from the EVMRA 2023 (Amsterdam Municipality).

He will present the latest figures and insights on socioeconomic development in our region and we’ll engage in a conversation about policy challenges for the future.

The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is growing and thriving, and unemployment is historically low. But there are numerous societal challenges. Companies are looking for staff, people are looking for housing. By no means everyone benefits equally from the favourable economic developments. We are reaching the limits of the available energy and raw materials. Nature and biodiversity are under pressure. Tough choices must be made in our pursuit of a broad prosperity.

• State of the Youth – How do youth and young adults view the choices that need to be made and what do they gain from them?

The protest voice is growing louder than ever. At the last Dutch Provincial Council elections, the BoerBurgerBeweging became the largest party in over 200 municipalities – overturning the political landscape. Many people are critical and question both the will and the ability of politicians to deal with today’s major problems. Public trust in institutions is low and distrust of politicians and policy makers is high.

Young people, the group under 35, do not feel heard and are in danger of disengaging. In the Amsterdam K-district, only 11.2% of residents voted in the 2023 provincial elections. Among young people, the turnout was even lower. This low turnout exemplifies a broader challenge:

• • How do we involve all groups of young people in shaping the future of our metropolis?
  • How do we ensure that young people get reengaged with shaping our future?
  • How do we ensure broad participation among young people in our region?
  • How do we ensure that all young people can participate equally?

During State of the Youth, Amina Hassan Sheikh Ali and Jochem Jordaan (members of Young on Board) will discuss with experts how our generation will seize control again!