Eu Day Light

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten visited HAN University of Applied Sciences in the Arnhem-Nijmegen region to mark the start of the new academic year and shared assessments on education, the labor market, science and technology.

Noting that he also spent his student years in the Arnhem-Nijmegen region, Jetten said, “Where better to open a new academic year than in the Arnhem-Nijmegen region, where I studied and then spent many more years?”

Speaking at HAN University of Applied Sciences, Jetten highlighted the importance of good education and said educational programs need to adapt to the needs of the labor market.

Jetten also emphasized the importance of innovation and cooperation between institutions, saying, “So that every educational institution does not have to reinvent the wheel.”

Stating that the Netherlands should not become complacent because of current global conditions, Jetten said the country faces an aging workforce, international competition and an uncertain geopolitical future.

Jetten said the Dutch government’s investment of 600 million euros in continuing education, research and science is important in the face of these conditions.

Stating that the Netherlands should focus on specific areas that will help it move forward in the future, Jetten particularly pointed to digitalization and artificial intelligence, economic resilience and climate technology.

Jetten said, “We need a sharp focus on the themes that will truly move the Netherlands forward. Themes such as digitalization and artificial intelligence, economic resilience and climate technology.”

Jetten also said academic life is not only about education and professional preparation. Highlighting the importance of student years for personal development, the Dutch Prime Minister said this period is valuable for meeting new people, discovering one’s own abilities and learning how to persevere in the face of challenges.

Jetten said, “Student years are above all about meeting new people, discovering your own talents and learning not to give up when things go wrong.”

Stating that the experiences he gained during his own student years played a role in bringing him to his current position, Jetten said, “Those lessons partly brought me to where I am today. And that is what I wish for every student in the Netherlands.”

On the occasion of the new academic year, Jetten wished all students in the Netherlands success and a good period of study, saying, “I wish everyone lots of luck and enjoyment; make it a fantastic academic year together!”