Last week, Jolein Baidenmann and Maaike Blom launched their first ISDuurzaam consultancy network event (their self declared ‘baby’- as it took them nine months to organize it) at ‘de Groene Bocht’ in Amsterdam. Maurits Groen had the honor of doing the opening speech.
‘I disagree with one of the statements of the Club of Rome: we have to save the world,’ Maurits said. ‘The world will take care of itself. Instead, we have to save ourselves.’
Networking was not on the agenda
- Maurits Groen (photo by Petra van Velzen)
Let me quickly introduce myself. My name is Illonka Brands and I work as a marcom/pr advisor and as a journalist. This is my first blog for TEDxAmsterdam and I have been looking forward to experiencing this promising afternoon of dynamic round table discussions about four key issues: sustainability, development aid, partnerships and future proof entrepreneurship – and the fifth key activity was networking, networking, networking. Basically, the whole professional network of ISDuurzaam was brought together during this event.
Once an icon of innovation and entrepreneurship, the charmingly old yet sustainable canal house in the heart of Amsterdam ‘De Groene Bocht’ hosted around 250 experts and critical participants from various fields and backgrounds. I bumped into business people, politicians, government reps and even an astrologer. Judging from the vibrant buzz going on, everyone seemed more than eager to contribute to the debates.
Fast-paced round table discussions
- Toekomstdag ISDuurzaam at ‘De Groene Bocht’ (photo by Illonka Brands)
After the speeches, the workshops were divided over four rooms (one for each topic) and hosted by one moderator and some experts. So, I found myself tiptoeing up and down the squeaking wooden staircases for an hour to catch a glimpse of all the heated debates. It was wonderful to witness the discussions, showcasing both abstract and practical thoughts regarding pivotal long-term issues and nature laws, from an innovative perspective and in light of the future. Especially striking to me was the number of pioneers able to look at issues from different angles.
Food for thought
Finally, trendwatchers Justien Marseille and Farid Tabarki, shared their visions on male versus female leadership and optimism versus pessimism. Afterwards the fifth activity (more networking) went on during the ‘borrel’ – you know, what we Dutch call ‘drinks’. All in all, an inspiring initiative and most definitely food for thought. Also, all the attendees could vote on some of the statements that derived from the workshops:
• Do the poor African people care about future proof entrepreneurship?
• Development aid is dead. Long live working together!
• Who of us here today is willing to urge their Pension Funds regarding sustainable investments?
• Partnerships are forcing people to think beyond themselves.
Question: which statement do you think is most true?
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