Room for Discussion events in October
Dear Room for Discussion community,
October is here, and with it a new month of conversations on the couches. After easing into the semester, we are now picking up speed with a full and exciting program.
The spotlight this month is on the national elections of October 29. In the run-up, we are launching a special Election Series with leading figures from across the political spectrum. At the time of writing, five party leaders have confirmed their participation, and we look forward to exploring their visions for the future of the Netherlands. Keep an eye on our website and social media, for the full line-up and details.
As always at Room for Discussion, students will have the opportunity to ask their questions directly during the conversation – and in this series, we’re giving that extra attention. So this is your chance to bring your political questions forward in the run-up to the elections, live on campus. Please also note that all interviews in this series will be in Dutch!
In addition to the election series we have multiple other events lined up. For instance Pieter Hasekamp, director of the Centraal Planbureau and, rounding off the month, we are delighted to welcome the Mayor of Amsterdam; Femke Halsema. Considering this full schedule, October promises to be a month filled with timely and thought-provoking discussions.
Upcoming interviews - What do we have in store for October?
Election series: Jimmy Dijk - Leader SP (Socialist Party)
October 6th, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage (In Dutch)
On October 29, the Netherlands heads to the polls – including the 30,000 eligible UvA students. That’s why Room for Discussion is hosting an election series featuring the leaders of the country’s major parties. We kick off on October 6 with Jimmy Dijk, leader of the Socialist Party (SP).
In light of the elections, this interview will focus on the SP’s priorities: affordable housing, European cooperation, and the party’s stance on security. Will the SP manage to govern for the very first time?
Anahit Galstyan - Principal Scientist at BASF
October 7th, 14:00-15:00, RfD stage
Join us as we welcome Anahit Galtsyan, a Principal Scientist at BASF, to the Room for Discussion stage. Her work brings together the science of genomics with the realities of innovation in a global company, offering a unique perspective on how research develops in practice and how the people behind the science shape its direction.
In this interview, we will explore the role of diversity in scientific progress and discuss the opportunities and obstacles facing researchers today. The conversation will touch on the broader dynamics of STEM and academia, from the ways institutions foster knowledge creation to the challenges that can stand in the way of inclusion and collaboration.
Election series: Rob Jetten - Leader D66
October 8th, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage (In Dutch)
Rob Jetten has come a long way—from eager young MP to seasoned politician steering through one of the most turbulent moments in Dutch politics. How does D66 manage to hold the middle ground between political extremes, even after events like the vandalism of its headquarters, while still promoting optimism under the slogan “It can be done”?
In this conversation, we’ll dive into D66’s priorities: education as its flagship theme, urgent housing shortages facing students, and Jetten’s push to keep ambitious climate goals on track despite competing pressures like migration and geopolitics. We’ll discuss immigration, defence spending, and scholarships for refugee students — key questions about how D66 seeks to balance costly domestic ambitions with an active, principled role abroad.
Election series: Ines Kostić - Number 2 PvdD (Party for the Animals)
October 9th, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage (In Dutch)
Ines Kostić’s story is one of resilience and principle. Fleeing the Bosnian War as a child, they grew up in the Netherlands and went on to become the first non-binary member of the Dutch House of Representatives. Today, as MP for the Party for the Animals (PvdD), Kostić speaks out on issues ranging from the environment and agriculture to housing, healthcare, and education.
In this interview, we’ll explore how the PvdD positions itself in Dutch politics—pushing for ambitious climate and nature commitments, questioning the government on conspiracy theories, and even working across party lines to improve animal welfare. We’ll also discuss pressing student concerns such as affordable housing, as well as Kostić’s broader vision for a just and sustainable society.
Pieter Hasekamp - Director Centraal Planbureau (CPB)
October 14th, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage
How will the EU be able to tackle drastically increased defence spending, while also kickstarting growth and not running into another debt crisis? Why are most people so hesitant about giving opinions on the economy, and how can we improve that understanding? What consequences will the election programs of political parties have on the Dutch economy?
Joining us to shed some light on these questions is Pieter Hasekamp, director of the Dutch Centraal Planbureau and chair of the European Fiscal Board, as well as crown appointed member of the Sociaal-Economichse Raad. We will discuss how Europe can tackle a new economic climate of sluggish growth paired with escalating debt levels, why understanding the economy is so valuable and how economic advisors can avoid partisanship in their analysis during election times.
Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation with one of the most influential voices in European macroeconomic policy analysis!
Election series: Esmah Lahlah - Number 2 Groenlinks-PvdA
October 15th, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage (In Dutch)
From her work in Tilburg’s social domain to her role as number 2 on the GroenLinks-PvdA list, Esmah Lahlah has built a reputation for combining empathy with decisive action. Her career reflects a deep commitment to tackling inequality and strengthening social cohesion.
In this interview, we’ll explore how her background in local governance informs GroenLinks-PvdA’s broader vision for the Netherlands. What does the party propose in the face of growing inequality, climate urgency, and the need for affordable housing?
We’ll also look at how GroenLinks-PvdA aims to inspire confidence as it seeks to govern, and how Lahlah’s perspective shapes the coalition between social-democratic and green politics.
Election series: Eddy van Hijum - NSC Party Leader and former Minister of Social Affairs
October 16th, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage (In Dutch)
Eddy van Hijum has moved from the ministries of The Hague to the leadership of a new political force. As head of the NSC, he represents a party that promises to restore trust and responsibility in Dutch politics.
In this conversation, we’ll discuss how a centrist movement positions itself between polarized camps, and what role the NSC sees for itself in reshaping the political landscape. What lessons from van Hijum’s experience as Minister of Social Affairs guide him in leading a new party?
The discussion will focus on the challenges of bridging divides, renewing institutions, and addressing the frustrations that have given rise to the NSC’s rapid rise.
Kyrylo Lapko - Head of Reintegration Department Ukraine
October 20th, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage
Even in the midst of war, Ukraine faces the enormous task of preparing for recovery and reintegration. As Head of the Reintegration Department, Kyrylo Lapko works at the center of these efforts, overseeing displaced communities and post-war planning.
In this interview, we’ll explore what reintegration means under conditions of ongoing conflict. How is Ukraine balancing the immediate demands of war with long-term ambitions for reconstruction and social cohesion?
We’ll also discuss the role of international partners in Ukraine’s future, and how recovery planning connects to broader questions of sovereignty and resilience.
Femke Halsema - Mayor of Amsterdam
October 30th, 15:00-16:00, Location TBA
As mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema stands at the intersection of politics, governance, and urban life. Leading the Netherlands’ capital city means navigating challenges that are both deeply local and nationally significant.
In this conversation, we’ll look at the major themes shaping Amsterdam today: housing shortages, safety in the city, and the role of culture and diversity in urban policy. How do these local challenges resonate with broader national debates?
We’ll also explore how Amsterdam’s approach to sustainability, inclusion, and governance reflects the city’s place as both a Dutch capital and an international hub.
We are excited about starting up again and are greatly looking forward to seeing you at our events this coming academic year. Until then, stay engaged and stay interested!
Sincerely,
The Room for Discussion Team
Creators of this month's newsletter:
Writer: Gabe Weilinga
Marketing Officer: Edzhe Baysa