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November 16, 2024

Room for Discussion interviews in November!

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Dear Room for Discussion Community,

It’s a wrap! The first exam season of this year is over. We hope that you could recover a little and are now heading full of energy into the new block. Like always, in the upcoming weeks, your studies will be accompanied many new and exciting discussions at RfD! This newsletter will recap the most important interviews that happened in October and it will give you a sneak peek of what awaits us in November. There’s a lot to look forward to!


Past Interviews: What happened in October?

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Carbon and Cashflow: Barbara Baarsma’s Vision for Sustainable Growth

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During this interview we delved into the current state of green growth and how we can achieve more sustainable economy. By exploring our guest’s journey from academia, through Rabo Carbon Bank to being the Chief Economist at PwC, we looked at how different actors can influence our green transition. Since achieving green finance requires inputs from different parts of our financial sector it was important to map those interconnectedness and focus on how consultancy, banking sector and government can cooperate effectively.
How can we achieve green finance? What is the role of regulators and financial institutions in this transition? How different of a role do consultancy and banking play in forming the investment decisions of shareholders? If you are interested in getting answers to those questions check out our interview with Barbara Baarsma online!

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Blue Blood & Bold Ideas: Prince Constantijn on the Future of Dutch Tech

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Last month, we also interviewed Prince Constantijn on his role at Techleap, a hub supporting the Dutch Tech start-up scene. While most people might know the Prince because of his royal title, in the startup world Constantijn van Oranje is known instead for his support and expertise in tech startups.

On the stage, we discussed the lack of a good framework for startups in the Netherlands and Europe. Constantijn van Oranje argued for having more investment into these ventures. Apart from that, we also discussed the importance of the Netherlands remaining a knowledge hub by retaining international talent and attracting innovation. While we might not overtake the UK or the US in their startup world, the Netherlands is a good place to be recognised as an important hub for innovation. TechLeap is doing its part by connecting like-minded startups and experts in the field.

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Post Trade Clarity: Gary Stevenson on Economic Inequality and the Future of Capitalism

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On the 17th of October, we hosted Gary Stevenson, a former Citibank trader who now acts as an economic activist. During the interview, we discussed his unique perspectives into and personal experiences in the financial world. In his very outspoken manner, Gary discussed how current economic developments fuel inequality, which he defines as the most prevalent economic issue of our time. Stevenson also shared his vision of how economic reform can be brought about, what, in his opinion has to be done to fix a broken economic system and how to close the gap between the rich and the poor. You can rewatch this entertaining interview here!

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Inside Asset Management: An Interview with Erik Van Houwelingen & Ronald Wuijster

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On the 31st of October, we had perhaps the most gezellig interview of this year with two CEOs, Ronald Wuijster (APG Asset Management) and Erik van Houwelingen (van Lanschot Kempen investment management). Organized together with DUFAS, the Dutch Fund and Asset Management Association, this event aimed to bring asset management closer to students. During the interview, we discussed how our two guests pursued a career in asset management, instead of following their dreams of space exploration and farming, and what the field looks like today. While APG focuses mostly on managing pension funds, Van Lanschot Kempen manages wealth of individuals and institutions. These differences lead to very different portfolios and investment strategies and change their social responsibility. During the debate, we found out that there are many different careers within asset management, suitable for different people. For tips from our guests about the qualities future asset managers should have, rewatch our interview here.

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Future Interviews: What’s Coming Up in November

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The Battle Beyond the Frontlines – On “Doctors Without Borders” with Karel Hendriks

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Room for Discussion is honoured to welcome Karel Hendriks. He has worked with Médicins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) for over a decade and is now the Deputy General of the organisation and the Director of the Dutch branch, providing immediate life-saving care for people in conflict zones, natural disasters and epidemics.

What is the meaning of assistance provided by medical humanitarian organisations? What are the main challenges faced by aid workers today? How do they remain neutral in conflict zones? What is the responsibility of doctors on and beyond the frontlines? How can aid help sustain local healthcare systems?

For answers to these questions and more, make sure to join us for the interview in the E-hall on November 18th, 13:00-14:00!

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Beating the Bank Run? A Conversation with the Chair of the European Banking Authority

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Is wealth inequality the defining economic issue of our time? How has quantitative easing deepened the divide between the rich and the poor? What can be done to fix a broken economic system?
Gary Stevenson, former Citibank trader turned economic activist, predicted the widening inequality post-2008 crisis and has been a vocal advocate for economic reform ever since. With his unique insights from inside the financial world, Gary will discuss how current economic policies are fueling inequality, the consequences of a rising housing market, and what we can do to bring about a more equitable future.
Join us on 17th of October from 13:00-14:00 in the E-Hall for an eye-opening conversation about the future of our economy, wealth distribution, and the policies needed to reshape it.

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A Conversation with Edith Hooge: President of the UvA’s Executive Board

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On the 26th of November Room for Discussion will hold a special event with the President of the UvA’s Executive Board: Edith Hooge. The interview will touch on the role the CvB plays in steering the university, and how Edith Hooge hopes to contribute during the upcoming years of her term. Join us at 18:00 at De Brug at the Roeterseilandcampus for an evening conversation. Get your free ticket below!

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That’s all for now. Whether you see them live on our stage or wrapped in a warm blanket at home - we hope that you enjoy our interviews as much as we do!

We hope to see you at our next interview,

Room for Discussion Team

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