Room for Discussion

College Tour Turned Around – A Conversation with Twan Huys

What do the Dalai Lama, Bill Gates, and Johan Cruijff have in common? All have them have been interviewed by Twan Huys, the most prominent interviewer and journalist in the Netherlands. He has seen the political and social environment change tremendously over the last decades and has talked to some of the most prominent makers and shakers of our current world to make sense of it. Room for Discussion is thrilled to welcome Twan Huys, host of College Tour and Buitenhof. He has interviewed co...

Walking the Authoritarian Tightrope – A conversation with Dutch-Russian Media Magnate, Derk Sauer

In 1969 the Dutch security services opened a file on a 17 year old boy. His name was Derk Sauer. Later he founded his own publishing firm with Crown Jewel the Moscow Times, and to this day one of the few independent russian media outlets. The question now is: How will independent Russian media survive?

Right from the Voters Mouth: Populism and the Far Right with Political Scientist Cas Mudde

Geert Wilders’ PVV recent election win is the latest addition to a trend of far-right populists winning big elections. Spanning from Argentina with Javier Melei to Italy with Giorgia Meloni, the Far Right seems to be on rise. There is no one better to talk about these events than Cas Mudde, the preeminent scholar on populism and the Far Right.

The Dutch as Ambivalent Europeans? A Conversation with Tom de Bruijn

Room for Discussion is excited to announce our interview with political jack-of-all-trades, Dutch top diplomat Tom de Bruijn. Having worked as a diplomat, ambassador, government official, minister, and mayor for decades – his extensive experience in navigating politics at a variety of levels from guiding the formation of EU treaties to negotiating the formation of municipal councils informs his broad view on the inner workings of government and diplomacy. Throughout, he has gained a unique v...

The Legacy of Nazi Billionaires: A Conversation with David de Jong

What does BMW and the Nazi regime have in common? In what ways is the generational wealth of former Nazi supporters connected to contemporary German politics? How have Nazi Billionaires escaped accountability? Investigative Journalist David de Jong spent four years researching the history of Germany’s wealthiest families. In his book ‘Nazi Billionaires’, he explores 5 families, their hidden hand in Germany’s dark past, and their continued presence in contemporary politics.

The Fight for Climate Justice with Director of Milieudefensie Donald Pols

What do you think of global governance’s failure to comply with the Paris Climate Agreement? What do you think of the court decision that ordered Shell to reduce all emissions by 45% by 2030? And if we live in a world where the Dutch government spends €37.5 billion on fossil subsidies on a yearly basis, does this mean that we need more Climate Activism? And if so, in which way? On October 11th (13:00-14:00) Room for Discussion will interview Donald Pols, the director of Milieudefensie. Not...

Beyond the Negotiating Table An Expert’s View on Diplomacy with Kees van Rij

Beyond the Negotiating Table: An expert’s View on Diplomacy. Kees van Rij is one of the Netherland’s most trusted diplomats, having held ambassadorships in Greece, Turkey, Spain and Brazil. From negotiating with dictators like Vladimir Putin, Muammar Gaddafi or Kim Jong-un to helping craft EU policy, Kees van Rij has been trusted with many of the major diplomatic issues over the past decades. He will share with us his many experiences and try to answer all our questions concerning diplomacy.

From Crime Scenes to Courtrooms with President of Eurojust, Ladislav Hamran

Eurojust, is a prominent legal agency at the forefront of the fight against transnational crime in Europe. From combating organised crime to terrorism, Eurojust is involved in resolving a wide range of cross-border conflicts. To discuss the intricacies of Eurojust’s operations and the significant role it plays in ensuring cross-border justice, we will be joined by Ladislav Hamran, the President of Eurojust. What strategies does Eurojust employ? How is cooperation between member states achiev...

Challenging The Status Quo - Patricia Sellers on Redefining Sexual Violence as International Crime

The Cost of Steel Health, Environment and Responsibility - Hans van den Berg, CEO of Tata Steel NL

Currently, Tata Steel NL is the biggest emitter of CO2 and nitrogen in the Netherlands, and links have been made between their factory’s emissions and higher-than-average cancer rates in communities that live close to their factories. As a response, the company is planning to detox their emissions and pivot to Green Steel production, which they will power with green hydrogen. Still, the future of the company in the Netherlands remains far from certain, and they are facing backlash from many d...

Hot Takes on Global Warming – A Conversation with Bjorn Lomborg

Climate change is one of the most defining challenges of our time, but what’s really the best way to tackle the issue and create a more sustainable future for all? Bjørn Lomborg’s has an answer: an alternative that challenges the mainstream narrative on climate change, which has earned him both praise and criticism. He tries to address the critical trade-offs between climate, sustainability, and welfare that we will need to make in the 21st century. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with...

Klimaatgeneraal: Klimaatverandering als Nieuwe Vijand? - Tom Middendorp

Tom Middendorp werd uitgezonden naar Somalië en verwachtte daar te moeten strijden tegen nietsontziende piraten. Het bleken wanhopige vissers die door klimaatverandering steeds minder inkomsten hebben. In Afghanistan zag hij met eigen ogen hoe de taliban waterschaarste inzette als machtsmiddel. Daarom besloot hij na zijn aftreden als commandant der strijdkrachten zich te verdiepen in het klimaatprobleem en de veiligheidsrisico's die deze met zich meebrengt. Inmiddels ziet hij de smeltende ijs...

Human Rights On Trial - A Conversation with Geoffrey Robertson KC

Julian Assange. Salman Rushdie. Mike Tyson. Lula da Silva. The Wall Street Journal. The New York Times. What do all these have in common? They were defended by Geoffrey Robertson KC. He helped prosecute warlords and dictators like General Pinochet, was the President of the War Crimes Court in Sierra Leone, and fought for human rights everywhere from Armenia to Yugoslavia, Colombia to Czechoslovakia, South Africa to South London. He founded one of the world’s leading human rights law chambers ...

Dutchman in Deutschland - Ronald van Roeden, Dutch Ambassador to Germany

From bitter football rivalries to beer preferences, the Dutch and Germans have a long and complicated history. As a Dutchman living and working in Germany, Ambassador Ronald van Roeden knows firsthand about the stereotypes and cliches that surround these two countries. In our interview, he shares his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities facing these two countries in a changing geopolitical landscape.

The most powerful lobbyist in the Netherlands - Ingrid Thijssen, Chair of the Dutch Employers Lobby

Ingrid Thijssen is the chair of the Dutch Employers lobby, VNO NCW. She has been called the ‘most powerful lobbyist’ in the Netherlands. On behalf of the Dutch Businesses, she has been warning about the business climate of Holland. According to her, this is deteriorating to a point at which many companies are contemplating leaving the Netherlands. Ms. Thijssens career started in NS public transport, where she climbed the corporate ladder to CEO. After 21 years, she moved on to and became CE...

Ernst Kuipers, Minister of Health - A Conversation about the Future of Dutch Healthcare

Ernst Kuipers became a household name during the pandemic: a wise former doctor who helped guide the medical response to COVID-19. Now, he’s no longer just a medical expert: he’s a D66 politician.

Humanitarian Crises of Today and Tomorrow - Marieke van Schaik, Director of Red Cross NL

The Red Cross is the World’s largest humanitarian network organisation working on helping people in need during emergencies, conflicts and disasters. When we watch the news we see crisis after crisis unfold, the Red Cross is often the organisation working at the scene to help those who need help the most. From emergency response to war aftercare and victim support, the Red Cross does it all. In this interview we will look at how the Red Cross NL chooses their cases, how they prepare for emer...

Women, Life, Freedom in Iran - with Women’s Rights Activist Shadi Sadr

Men, Status and the Masculinity Crisis - A Conversation with Author Will Storr

[Audio is choppy only in the first few minutes, after that it gets better] What is a Status Game? How do people react and cope with losing status games? And how do we win the Status Game? Find this out and much more in our interview with Will Storr! --------------------------------- Do you want to see more interviews and be the first to hear about upcoming guests? Follow us here: * Website: http://roomfordiscussion.com * Facebook: http://facebook.com/RoomforDiscussion * Instagram: https://ww...

Fairphone: A Call for Change - Eva Gouwens, CEO of Fairphone

Many spent more time on one than with their friends or family. You are probably reading this from one. Smartphones have become an irreplaceable part of our daily life. The production however often involves complex supply chains spanning continents, conflict materials, and child and slave labour in the Congo or China. But change is in your hands! Join us for a discussion about ethical and sustainable sourcing of conflict materials and production of smartphones with the CEO of Fairphone, Eva ...

The Past, Present and Future of International Tribunals - A Conversation with Yugoslavia Tribunal Judge Alphons Orie

5 years after the closure of the Yugoslavia tribunal, has it achieved its aim? The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in the Hague saw some of the world’s worst war criminals during its 20 years in session. Alphons Orie, as a judge at the tribunal, presided over several cases. Among others, he sentenced Ratko Mladić, Bosnian-Serbian general to life for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. How did he experience his time at the court, and does he think the...

Frans Muller, CEO of Ahold Delhaize - Who's Taking Your Lunch Money?

Albert Heijn, Etos, Bol.com: all of these brands are part of Ahold Delhaize's local brands, and this company also has six international brands on the U.S. East Coast that account for the bulk of their sales. This is your chance to get to know the man who manages this international brand on a daily basis. Food retail is a unique industry, characterised by low margins, consumer sensitivity and potential for huge environmental impact. Right now, Mr. Muller finds himself in the nexus of an ongo...

Simone Huis in 't Veld - The Future of the World's Oldest Stock Exchange

Stock exchanges have offered a market for over 600 years. But what influence do politics, technology, and the stock market industry itself have on the price? Does the market, balancing the needs of buyers and sellers, provide a fair foundation? Will Stock Exchanges stand the test of time against Blockchains? Listen in on our interview with the CEO of the Amsterdam Stock Exchange where she talks about these issues and many more!

Dr. Nick Saville - AI: Education's Future Frontier

Dr. Saville is one of the world’s foremost experts on language-learning, education, and technology. He spearheaded the development of digital technology and computer-based learning with Cambridge English in the 2010s and is now a prominent advocate of Education’s future frontier: AI.

Caecilia Wijgers, the last Dutch Ambassador to Afghanistan - Diplomacy in an Unstable World

Caecilia Wijgers, the last Dutch Ambassador to Afghanistan. In her career, Wijgers held posts all around the world, from Latvia to Burundi, Cuba to Afghanistan, dealing with the challenges of being a diplomat in an increasingly unstable world.

Eric Cornuel, CEO of EFMD - Making Modern Managers

What do Michael Scott, Jeff Bezos, and Kylie Jenner have in common? All three are successful managers, yet none of them have MBAs! So is business school really worth it? And what is Quiet Quitting? The Great Resignation? And how should companies really think about Corporate Social Responsibility? This interview is with Eric Cornuel, the Director General & CEO of EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development). His foundation helps business schools improve and give out official accredi...

Caroline Van der Plas - Hoe nu verder met Nederland?

Room for Discussion Caroline van der Plas op de Universiteit van Amsterdam. Mevrouw van de Plas is actief Twitteraar, oud journalist, stijl icoon, maar bovenal de fractievoorzitter van de tweede partij in ons land, de BoerBurgerBeweging(BBB), tenminste, als we de peilingen mogen geloven. De BBB heeft momenteel 1 zetel in het parlement, maar staat op meerdere peilingen van 15 tot 20 zetels. Met die ene zetel doet mevrouw van de Plas veel, ze was net uitgeroepen door HP de Tijd tot 'ijverigste'...

Muhamad Chahrour, CEO DeGiro - Are our Brokers Broken?

Listen to our interview with the CEO of DeGiro, Muhamad Chahrour. We discuss how the broker is navigating challenging times, how it is dealing with the merger with it's German brother, and he tells us why he thinks the idea of democratizing finance is nonsense.

Are our Brokers Broken?

Listen to our interview with the CEO of DeGiro, Muhamad Chahrour. We discuss how the broker is navigating challenging times, how it is dealing with the merger with it's German brother, and he tells us why he thinks the idea of democratizing finance is nonsense.

Catherine de Bolle - Fighting Crime in the Digital Age

*Fighting Crime in the Digital Age - with Catherine de Bolle Executive Director Europol * On June 21st, Room for Discussion hosted the executive director of Europol, Catherine de Bolle! Like Judi Dench’s ‘M’, she is a formidable character in fighting international crime. She has worked in law enforcement her entire life, most notably as the General Police Commissioner in Brussels, President of the Coordination Committee for Intelligence and Security in the EU, Member of executive committee at...

Sergio Jaramillo, former Colombian High Commissioner for Peace - The Lessons and Costs of Colombia's Peace -

Room for Discussion welcomed one of the most important Colombian politicians of the 21st century, Sergio Jaramillo Caro. As the High Commissioner for Peace, he was responsible for the negotiations in Cuba with the insurgent FARC Rebel groups after decades of conflict. He spearheaded demobilization and human rights reform in the Colombian military and administration, and was a key figure in the work that earned President Juan Manual Santos the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016. Today, he is a Senior A...

The Lessons and Costs of Colombia's Peace - Sergio Jaramillo

Former Curaçao PM Eugene Rhuggenaath - Tropical Controversies

Room for Discussion was excited to host Eugene Rhuggenaath, the former prime minister of Curaçao. In his term, Rhuggenaath was faced with various challenges which arose from the ‘independence’ of Curaçao from the Netherlands, along with difficulties brought on by the Covid-19 Pandemic. His government was the first to complete the entire term since Curaçao’s ‘independence’ in 2010. Nevertheless, he was faced with major protests which arose during the pandemic ignited by controversies surroundi...

Harmen van Wijnen (Algemeen Bestuursvoorzitter ABP)

Hoe sexy kunnen wij pensioenenpraat maken? Kom er achter bij ons interview met Harmen van Wijnen, Algemeen Bestuursvoorzitter van Nederlands grootste pensioenfonds ABP. Harmen van Wijnen staat aan het hoofd van een fonds ter waarde van ruim €500 miljard dat misschien wel voor jouw oude dag moet gaan zorgen. Met een pensioenvermogen van meer dan 1,5 biljoen (!) euro heeft Nederland (percentueel) het allergrootste pensioenvermogen ter wereld. Maar de afgelopen jaren lijkt er minder vertrouwen d...

Roland Kobia - The EU as a Peace and Security Actor in Regional Conflict

Room for Discussion hosted one of the EU's top diplomats, Roland Kobia! He is a true EU guru; he started working for the European Commission 30 years ago and now works for the EU's diplomatic service, the EEAS. He is now EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, a country currently in the throes of civil war. Mr Kobia previously served as EU Ambassador to Myanmar and EU Special Envoy to Afghanistan, where he was appointed to negotiate with the Taliban. If you are interested in EU foreign policy, peace proce...

Roland Kobia: The EU as a Peace and Security Actor in Regional Conflict

Room for Discussion hosted one of the EU's top diplomats, Roland Kobia! He is a true EU guru; he started working for the European Commission 30 years ago and now works for the EU's diplomatic service, the EEAS. He is now EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, a country currently in the throes of civil war. Mr Kobia previously served as EU Ambassador to Myanmar and EU Special Envoy to Afghanistan, where he was appointed to negotiate with the Taliban. If you are interested in EU foreign policy, peace proce...

Paul Collier - Reciprocity versus Self Interest

Room for Discussion is elated to welcome Sir Paul Collier - development economist turned knight turned political advisor and commentator. This renowned political economist currently serves as an Economics professor at Oxford and is the director of the International Growth Centre in London. He’s written nine bestselling and award-winning books, with topics ranging from greed to refugees to the environment. In short, Sir Paul Collier knows a lot about a lot, and we look forward to discussing so...

Luis de Guindos, Vice President of the European Central Bank

We are truly excited to welcome Luis de Guindos, vice-president of the European Central Bank (ECB) to our stage. This seasoned economist has had an impressive career. De Guindos took office as head of the Spanish and Portuguese department of Lehman Brothers before the fall. He served as Spanish Minister of Economy and Competitiveness, where he became credited with steering Spain to economic recovery after the euro crisis. Since 2018, he takes the prestigious position of vice-president of the ...

Luis de Guindos: Vice President European Central Bank

We are truly excited to welcome Luis de Guindos, vice-president of the European Central Bank (ECB) to our stage. This seasoned economist has had an impressive career. De Guindos took office as head of the Spanish and Portuguese department of Lehman Brothers before the fall. He served as Spanish Minister of Economy and Competitiveness, where he became credited with steering Spain to economic recovery after the euro crisis. Since 2018, he takes the prestigious position of vice-president of the ...

Marion Koopmans: Dutch Virologist

Virologist Marion Koopmans joins Room for Discussion in an unprecedented mystery event. The world renowned infectious disease expert has managed outbreaks of ebola, MERs, and H7N7, but faced her biggest challenge as an advisor to the WHO throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Her outspoken disease activism has made her one of the most famous scientists in Netherlands, and a target of COVID deniers and conspiracy theorists across the world. As the confidential Guest X, she appeared wrapped in inte...

Marion Koopmans, Dutch Virologist

Virologist Marion Koopmans joins Room for Discussion in an unprecedented mystery event. The world renowned infectious disease expert has managed outbreaks of ebola, MERs, and H7N7, but faced her biggest challenge as an advisor to the WHO throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Her outspoken disease activism has made her one of the most famous scientists in Netherlands, and a target of COVID deniers and conspiracy theorists across the world. As the confidential Guest X, she appeared wrapped in inte...

Wiebe Draijer (CEO Rabobank) on Rabobank Future Proof

More than half of the Dutch population has a Rabobank account. It is the second largest bank in the Netherlands and among the top 30 banks in the world, and we have the honour to discuss the Rabobank, banking and greening in general with their CEO Wiebe Draijer. If you have any questions regarding the role banks play in the Ukraine conflict, the impact of the conflict on the banking sector and on the financial markets, come to our interview. This and more will be discussed.

Historian Rutger Bregman on War in Ukraine, the Pandemic and Human Decency

Room for Discussion’s last big guest has authored two international bestsellers, has gone viral after taking on the wealthy at Davos and has been hailed as the “Dutch Wunderkind of new ideas” by the Guardian.

The Man Behind the Panama Papers: Bastian Obermayer

Bastian Obermayer, one of Europe's most successful investigative journalists who was one of the leading author behind the Panama Papers, on his investigative research, meeting Edward Snowden and speaking truth to power.

Jeroen Rijpkema (CEO Triodos Bank) : Perseverence of Idealism

"One of the most sustainable banks in the world" is how the Triodos bank advertises itself. How did they achieve this role? And will they be able to keep this role in the future? We will be answering these questions and many more in our interview with Triodos CEO Jeroen Rijpkema, the seasoned banker making the switch from the corporate big fish ABN Amro to the green Triodos. Why does a private banking CEO move to an idealistic niche bank in Zeist? And how did his background in compliance and ...

René van Hell - The Arctic Ambassador & The Polar Power Play

The temperature rises in the Arctic as prehistoric ice sheets melt and nations edge ever closer to the brink of war. On the 7th of February 2022, the Dutch Ambassador to the Arctic Council, Rene van Hell, joined Room for Discussion to explore the current climate of the frozen far north. Van Hell discussed how the Arctic has emerged as Ground 0 for Climate Change, as raging Siberian wildfires and the loss of 33% of sea ice disproportionately jeopardizes the region’s four million inhabitants. S...

René van Hell: The Arctic Ambassador & The Polar Power Play

The temperature rises in the Arctic as prehistoric ice sheets melt and nations edge ever closer to the brink of war. On the 7th of February 2022, the Dutch Ambassador to the Arctic Council, Rene van Hell, joined Room for Discussion to explore the current climate of the frozen far north. Van Hell discussed how the Arctic has emerged as Ground 0 for Climate Change, as raging Siberian wildfires and the loss of 33% of sea ice disproportionately jeopardizes the region’s four million inhabitants. S...

Coby van der Linde - The Gas Market from Groningen to Russia

Coby van der Linde has been the director of the Clingendael International Energy Programme since 2001. Clingendael is one of the major research institutes on the international developments of the energy sector. She is also a professor in Groningen, specialised in energy and geopolitics. She has followed the developments in the natural gas market for decades. From a time where the Netherlands was a big transporter of natural gas, to the closure of the Groningen gas fields. From geopolitical t...

Coby van der Linde: The Gas Market from Groningen to Russia

Coby van der Linde has been the director of the Clingendael International Energy Programme since 2001. Clingendael is one of the major research institutes on the international developments of the energy sector. She is also a professor in Groningen, specialised in energy and geopolitics. She has followed the developments in the natural gas market for decades. From a time where the Netherlands was a big transporter of natural gas, to the closure of the Groningen gas fields. From geopolitical t...

Sergei Guriev on the Political and Economic Future of Russia

Dr. Sergei Guriev is a famous Russian economist from North Ossetia. Until 2013, he was the rector of the New Economic School in Moscow. At the same time, he was also an economic advisor to Prime minister Medvedev. However, in 2013 his world was turned upside down: he had to flee Russia after being investigated by the government about cases concerning oil tycoon Mr. Khodorkovsky and opposition leader Mr. Navalny. Dr. Sergei Guriev then went to Paris to become a professor at Sciences Po. Furth...