THE HAGUE – Universities, research institutes, universities of applied sciences, and vocational education institutions across the Kingdom of the Netherlands are calling on the incoming Dutch government to strengthen and expand cooperation between educational institutions within the Kingdom. The appeal was made in a joint letter to informateur Rianne Letschert by the Bestuurlijk Overleg Kennispartners Caribisch-Europees Nederland.
In the letter, the institutions stress the need for a long-term, coordinated effort involving governments, educational institutions, and research organizations to build a strong and resilient education and research environment throughout the Kingdom. According to the group, such an approach is essential to ensure sustainable development and equal opportunities across both the European and Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.
The knowledge partners argue that a clear political long-term vision should be discussed and formally established within the Ministerieel Vierlandenoverleg (M4LO). They urge the new cabinet in The Hague to actively contribute to this process and to support structural cooperation at the Kingdom level.
“Through this letter, we are calling for a sustained commitment from all parties involved—governments, educational institutions, and research organizations—to strengthen education and research within the Kingdom,” wrote Joep Houterman, chair of Kennispartners Caribisch-Europees Nederland. “In that context, we believe it is desirable for a political long-term perspective to be discussed and agreed upon at ministerial level.”
The institutions note that at a time of growing social tensions, major societal transitions, and escalating international conflicts, the role of education and research has become more critical than ever. They emphasize that society increasingly depends on education and research to provide guidance, foster social cohesion, and develop practical solutions to complex challenges.
The signatories state that they remain committed to fulfilling this responsibility as partners within the Kingdom and are open to further strengthening their collaboration in the years ahead.
The coalition of knowledge partners includes a broad range of institutions from both European and Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, among them University of Curaçao, the University of Aruba, the University of St. Martin, as well as several Dutch universities, universities of applied sciences, research councils, and vocational education institutions in the Caribbean Netherlands.
According to the group, strengthening cooperation across the Kingdom is not only an educational priority, but also a strategic investment in the social and economic resilience of all its constituent countries and territories.
