Launch of The Hague Global Futures Hub: Innovation and Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
The Hague Global Futures Hub was officially launched at the Wijnhaven building on Campus The Hague on 10 June. This collaboration between Leiden University and the University of Edinburgh represents a significant step forward in addressing global challenges.
The Hague Global Futures Hub strengthens the successful cooperation between the two universities in law, security, public administration and international relations. The Hub will address global challenges in courses, interdisciplinary research and collaboration with local and global institutions and organisations.
At the launch, Leiden University welcomed a delegation from the University of Edinburgh led by Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Sir Peter Mathieson. The two universities shared their ambitions for the future and explored how the Hub can drive innovative solutions. Then young researchers presented innovative research projects that are helping find solutions to societal challenges.
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Hester Bijl, Rector Magnificus of Leiden University -
Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh -
Soledad Garcia Ferrari (Programme Director, MSc Urban Strategies and Design; Dean of Latin America; Director of the Centre for Latin American Studies) and Jan Aart Scholte (Professor of Global Transformations and Governance Challenges at Leiden University) talked about global challenges and the role the Hub can play in solving societal problems. -
Global Futures in 2030: we will face many global challenges. -
Let’s talk about impact: Pushpi Bagchi is a Research Associate in the Data + Design Lab at the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI). Bagchi is also a visual communications designer. Her professional practice lies at the intersection of design, academia, and applied research. -
Let’s talk about impact: Annemiek de Looze on the added value of interdisciplinary collaboration. De Looze is a PhD candidate at the Institute of Public Administration. She is conducting research in the JustETrans project, a collaboration between TU Delft and Leiden University on co-creating just and effective energy transitions through participatory multi-modelling. -
Panel discussion: Academic collaboration as a motor for global change: Sandra Pellegrom (National SDG Coordinator, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Bert Koenders (Professor of Peace, Justice and Security, Leiden University and Chair of the Advisory Council on International Affairs) andErik Wandrag (CEO Oceans Finance Company) -
Closing speech by Erwin Muller (Vice-rector of Organisation Development / Director of Campus The Hague) and moderator Eveline van Rijswijk
‘In our new Campus The Hague Spui Building, to be opened next year, students and staff from both our universities will come together to address global challenges through teaching, research and engagement with local and global communities and institutions’, said Hester Bijl, Rector Magnificus of Leiden University. ‘The Hague Global Futures Hub will connect our various networks and partners across disciplinary, institutional and national borders. The challenges we face are just too difficult for individuals to tackle alone. We can make a much greater impact as a collective.’
‘This partnership will build upon the complementary strengths of both institutions, and the strategic location of The Hague, to deliver world-class learning and opportunities for our students’, said Sir Peter Mathieson. ‘The Hub represents a significant step forward in international collaboration, aiming to prepare students and researchers to thrive in a complex, ever-evolving world while contributing to sustainable development and global knowledge exchange.’
Watch the recap of the launch of the Global Future Hub below
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Watch the video on the original website orThe Hague Global Futures Hub will take further shape in the coming period. If you have an idea for a project or would you like to collaborate in the Hub, please email Lies van Heteren or Mechteld Bous.
Photos: Arash Nikkhah