On February 20, the new policy of Minister Klever of Foreign Trade and Development Aid was published. From now on, all Dutch development aid must directly serve the interests of the Netherlands. According to the minister, this makes the policy more relevant to Dutch taxpayers.

The main objective is for countries to develop into trade partners. “By linking aid, trade, and investments more closely, development aid can contribute to our earning capacity,” the minister stated. Additionally, the Netherlands will discontinue all projects related to women’s rights, gender equality, vocational and higher education, and sports and culture.

Development organizations have responded critically to the policy document. But what do students from Wageningen and beyond think? How do you view this new policy?

Do you think aid should primarily serve Dutch interests? And do you believe that Dutch expertise in agriculture and water management is inherently beneficial for low- and middle-income countries?

Experience inspiring keynotes, a panel discussion, and workshops—and make your voice heard!

Program Highlights:

Opening & Introduction (15:30 – 15:35)
Kick-off by moderator Ellen Mangnus , setting the stage for the events discussions.

Setting the Scene: The Future of Dutch Policy (15:35 – 15:45)
Nout van der Vaar t (Oxfam Novib) presents key insights on policy coherence and the trade agenda.

Nout van der Vaart is the Policy Lead for Food and Land at Oxfam Novib. In this role, he engages with key stakeholders including government officials, Dutch MPs, and media to influence policies on food security and sustainable, inclusive agricultural development. As part of the SD=HS program, he works to create and implement policies that support farmers’ seed systems and uphold Farmers’ Rights at global, national, and local levels. Nout holds an MSc in International Development Studies from Wageningen University.

Panel Discussion: From Policy to Practice (15:45 – 16:40)
Featuring politicians, NGO representatives, and students:

Danielle Hirsch (GroenLinks-PvdA): A Dutch politician affiliated with GroenLinks-PvdA. She began her career volunteering at Both ENDS in 1995, later becoming a policy advisor on water management and serving as director from 2008 to 2023. Her work has focused on environmental and social justice, advocating for sustainable foreign policies and transforming trade models for a greener global economy. In the 2023 general election, Hirsch was the only candidate elected to the House of Representatives solely through preference votes. In parliament, she focuses on international trade, development cooperation, and international climate policy.

Jannes Zamora van Os (Ipso Facto) :A 21-year-old third-year International Development student, he is an active member and former board member of the study association Ipso Facto. Outside of his studies, he enjoys playing football and going to the gym. Born in Nicaragua, he moved to the Netherlands ten years ago, which sparked his strong interest in international relations and cooperation. He values ​​bringing diverse perspectives into discussions, ensuring that debates remain dynamic and grounded rather than confined to an ivory tower.

Karin van Boxtel (Both ENDS) : The Director of Both ENDS, a Dutch environmental and human rights organization. She joined Both ENDS in 2015, bringing a background in International Development Studies and experience in Senegal, Burundi, and Cameroon. Her work has focused on sustainable land use and management, public financing, and fair trade, often in relation to the food system. As director, Karin aims to create space for promising global initiatives, such as Indonesian farmers exchanging seeds, women establishing food forests in Costa Rica, and Kenyan communities developing their own water management visions. She believes these initiatives offer solutions to challenges like the climate crisis and advocates for redirecting funding and revising trade models to support sustainable practices.

Max Koffi (Equal Trade Alliance) : The founder and chairman of the Equal Trade Alliance (ETA), an organization dedicated to transforming global trade practices to ensure fair compensation and sustainable development for African communities and the Global South. ETA champions the Equal Trade economic model, which emphasizes equitable revenue distribution and ethical business practices across the value chain. Furthermore, ETA calls on African governments to implement it as an official trade policy in their negotiations with international partners. The organization also pressures Western governments to recognize the Equal Trade model as a strategic tool to strengthen geopolitical ties with Africa while encouraging consumers in key Western markets to use their economic influence to demand certified Equal Trade practices from multinational corporations.

💬 Topics include: Is Minister Klever’s policy shift beneficial? Should development aid serve Dutch interests first?

Break & Networking (16:40 – 16:55)

Interactive Workshops & Breakout Sessions (16:55 – 18:00)
A choice between:

Fair Trade Workshop lead by Wouter van Tongeren (Equal Trade Alliance)
Wouter is a dedicated to transforming global value chains into equitable partnerships, replacing exploitation with co-ownership and shared responsibility. By prioritizing fair profit distribution, power balance, and sustainability, Wouter advocates for a new perspective on value. Through a holistic, community-driven approach, he works to create lasting, positive change for people and the planet. At the Equal Trade Alliance, Wouter—together with Equal Trade Alliance team in Ghana—work to amplify local voices advocating for a value chain based on equal trade.

Global Citizenship Workshop led by Sara Kinsbergen (Radboud University)
Sara is a Special Professor at the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies (CAOS) at Radboud University, holding the chair on “The Role of Citizens in Sustainable Development.” She has conducted extensive research on the impact of citizen initiatives in international development. In addition to her academic work, she serves as the Program Director of AMID Young Professional, an educational program aimed at bridging the gap between academia and practice in international development. She is also a member of the Advisory Council on International Affairs.

Each session concludes with action points and policy input!

Closing & Future Vision (18:00 – 18:20)
Students share key takeaways and discuss next steps for action.

Networking Drinks (18:20 – 19:30)
Unwind, connect, and exchange ideas with fellow attendees over drinks in a relaxed setting.

More speakers will be announced soon! The event will be moderated by Ellen Mangnus (Publicist and Researcher, WUR).

Practical Information:

📅 Date: March 12
📍 Location: Wageningen University, Speakers’ Corner (Impulse building, Stippeneng 2, Wageningen)
⏰ Time: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM (doors open at 3:00 PM)
🗣 Language: English

This event is open not only to students but also to professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in international cooperation and development policy! Join the debate, meet like-minded people, and share your vision on international development. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to network over drinks.

Register now via this link!