No one becomes a multi-millionaire on their own merit. This is one of the arguments that Dutch political philosopher Ingrid Robeyns sets forth in her book ‘Limitarianism: The Case Against Extreme Wealth’. To advocate for a cap on extreme wealth and a global limitarian mindset, Robeyns highlights the repercussions that inequality has for climate change, democracy, and societal welfare. Philanthropy is not the answer, and rising inequality is hurting the rich too. 

We will be interviewing Professor Ingrid Robeyns on March 18th, 13-14 o’clock at the E-Hall of the Roeterseiland Campus. Join us for a conversation about the (un)fairness of the wealth cap, the feasibility of the approach, and the challenges standing in the way of reducing inequality.

Interviewers:
Kaj Hoogeboom
Nayantara Ranganatha

Limitarianism: An interview with Philosopher Ingrid Robeyns

Guardians of the EU Finances: Tony Murphy, President of the European Court of Auditors

Ever wondered how €186 billion in EU spending is scrutinized to ensure every euro counts? 

On 14th January, from 13:00 to 14:00, at the REC E-Hall, we’ll dive into the world of the European Court of Auditors (ECA) with its President, Tony Murphy. 

As the leader of the EU’s financial watchdog, Murphy ensures that the Union’s finances are transparent, efficient, and accountable—essential for addressing the generational challenges Europe faces today.  From ensuring Europe’s preparedness for cyberattacks and natural disasters to scrutinizing ambitious climate initiatives, Murphy’s work goes beyond mere numbers. He’ll share how the ECA tackles some of the EU’s biggest questions: are the ambitious 2030 climate goals achievable, or are they lofty aspirations? Can Europe maintain its competitive edge in a global economy dominated by the US and China? And how does the ECA ensure every euro spent reflects the Union’s values?  This is your opportunity to see beyond the spreadsheets and gain insight into how audits shape Europe’s future.

Show Me the Money! with Tony Murphy, President of the European Court of Auditors

This interview is in English.

Interviewers:
- Aditej Nair
- Sean Cotter-Lem

Blue Blood & Bold Ideas: Prince Constantijn on the Future of Dutch Tech

How to make finance a force for sustainability? Are there enough incentives in our system to balance short-term profits and the protection of the environment? And what is the role of PwC and Rabo Carbon Bank in shaping the discussion on sustainable growth?

To get answers to those questions, join us for the conversation with Barbara Baarsma, chief economist of PwC and former CEO of Rabo Carbon Bank, on the 2nd of October, 13:00-14:00, in the E-Hall! Our guest has been at the center of discussions about green finance for her entire career. From academia through commercial and central banking to consulting, Barbara Baarsma has been looking for an answer to how to shape the future of our system for the benefit of our environment. Whether you’re interested in finance, climate action, or just looking for inspiration from someone breaking boundaries, this is your chance to hear first-hand insights. Get ready for a conversation that’s not just about money but about what really matters.

Interviewers:
Max Zaslove
Karol Marynowski

Carbon and Cashflow: Barbara Baarsma’s Vision for Sustainable Growth

Marilyn Waring helped pioneer the feminist critique of mainstream economics for ignoring the unpaid work that women do even though this is essential for sustaining economies. Tune in with us on the 2nd of September to hear critique on GDP, learn more about feminist economics and and perhaps reconceptualize how you see economic growth!

Marilyn Waring is a former New Zealand politician as well as one of the Founders of Feminists Economics. She was elected to the New Zealand Parliament at 23 on an environmental platform (of the conservative New Zealand National Party) with whom she fought for a Nuclear-Free New Zealand. She obtained a D.Phil in Political Economy in 1989 and published her most influential book “If Women Counted” in 1988. Through her academia and writing she has become known as a principle founder and pioneer of Feminist Economics. She has consulted for the UNDP, is an outspoken critic of GDP and currently offered a place at the WHO council of Economics of Health for all.

Marilyn Waring | Leonie | Martyna

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Event source:
https://roomfordiscussion.com/interview/marilyn-waring-pioneer-of-feminist-economics/

Marilyn Waring: Pioneer of Feminist Economics

Op 28 mei interviewen wij schrijver en Nederlands student Lale Gül. Zij schreef een autobiografische roman over haar ervaringen in een conservatief Turks Islamitisch huishouden. Na het publiceren van haar boek werd ze overspoelt met haar reacties en zelfs bedreigingen. De gespannen situatie thuis bereikte ook een hoogtepunt, waardoor Gül haar ouderlijk huis moest verlaten.
In voorgaande interviews werd er vooral gesproken over de reacties op haar boek van haar omgeving en de maatschappij. Wij willen het echter hebben over Lale Gül als schrijver, opiniemarker en leeftijdsgenoot.

Lale Gül | Loïs Kok | Simba Martens

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Event source:
https://roomfordiscussion.com/interview/lale-gul-ik-ga-leven/

Lale Gül: Ik ga leven

Tussen 9 en 13 mei zijn er studentenraadsverkiezingen! Jij kunt stemmen op de partij van jouw voorkeur, zowel voor de Centrale Studentenraad als voor de Facultaire Studentenraad. Nog geen idee wat je moet stemmen of wat de verkiezing inhoudt? Op 10 mei organiseert Room for Discussion om 13:00 het Groot UvA Studentenraad Debat met de fractievoorzitters van de vier partijen die meedingen naar een plek in de Centrale Studentenraad. Kom langs en bepaal de toekomst van jouw universiteit!

Er komen verschillende prikkelende stellingen aan bod: Wat vinden de partijen van de Maagdenhuis bezetting? Hoe kijken zij aan tegen verdere democratisering? Moet jij straks per vak kunnen betalen voor je studie? Dienen stilteruimtes enkel om te tot rust te komen, of moet er ruimte zijn voor religie? En moeten alle colleges direct online beschikbaar zijn of is écht college volgen zo slecht nog niet? Over thema’s zoals deze gaan de lijsttrekkers in debat.

Verwacht een scherp debat; stel je vragen en bepaal op wie jij gaat stemmen!

Studentenpartij Uvasociaal | de decentralen | De Vrije Student – Amsterdam | Ons kritisch alternatief | Jeppe van Aubel | Pim ten Thije

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Event source:
https://roomfordiscussion.com/interview/groot-uva-studentenraad-debat/

Groot UvA Studentenraad Debat

Room for Discussion will be interviewing Dagmar Oudshoorn, the director of Amnesty International NL, on the 24th of January from 13:00-14:00. Dagmar Oudshoorn has worked as the major of Uithoorn and Head of Operations at the Dutch National Police. Now that Amnesty has existed for more than 60 years do they still hold the same values? Have their methods changed? Have they picked up a broader array of cases since the start? How effective have they been? And does their method of research, advocacy and campaigning still work as well in today’s media-driven society? For the answer to these questions, any question that YOU might have, and many more…
Come and join us in the E-hall on the 24th of January from 13:00-14:00
Interviewers: Ella Otterbeck and Loïs Kok

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(Text and image)
https://roomfordiscussion.com/interview/

You Gotta Fight for Your Right - Dagmar Oudshoorn, Director of AmnestyNL

Room for Discussion will interview Alphons Orie, Yugoslavia Tribunal Judge, at 15:00 on the 13th of December 2022.

5 years after the closure of the Yugoslavia tribunal, has it achieved its aim? The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in the Hague saw some of the world’s worst war criminals during its 20 years in session.

Alphons Orie, as a judge at the tribunal, presided over several cases. Among others, he sentenced Ratko Mladić, Bosnian-Serbian general to life for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

How did he experience his time at the court, and does he think there’s a future for international tribunals? Will we see an International Criminal Tribunal for Climate Change? Join us for a conversation about this and more with former Yugoslavia tribunal judge Alphons Orie.

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(Text and image)
https://roomfordiscussion.com/interview/

The Past, Present and Future of International Tribunals – A Conversation with Alphons Orie

On the 1st of December, at 13.00, Room for Discussion will have Seif Bedour as our guest. He will share his story with us about his detention for being gay in Egypt, after helping a friend by accompanying her to a police station. After his release, he moved to the Netherlands, where he applied for asylum in Ter Apel. He will share his story with us about his detention for being gay in Egypt, after helping a friend by accompanying her to a police station. After his release, he moved to the Netherlands, where he applied for asylum in Ter Apel. For the first time, he can now talk about what he experienced in the last months, how he feels about his identity, and his ability to show his sexuality. So please all come to the interview at 13.00 on December first.

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(Text and image)
https://roomfordiscussion.com/interview/

A Conversation with Seif Bedour

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Maggie

Christie

Eric

Anna

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Over the past decades, China’s economy has been ever-rising, with double-digit GDP growth every year. However, recent reporting seems to suggest that the Chinese economic miracle is going bust. Problems in the real estate market, a slow Covid-19 recovery, and geopolitical tension is combining in unpredictable ways to challenge China’s economy – so what will China do? And how will the rest of the world respond?

On February 6th, 14-15h, Room for Discussion will host Bert Hofman. He is the former World Bank’s Chief Economist of East Asia and the Pacific and Country Director for China, which makes him well placed to speak about China’s economic and geopolitical future. Be there or be square!

Interviewers:
- Ella Otterbeck
- Filippo Maria Talenti

Room for Discussion

The End of the Chinese Miracle? A Conversation with Bert Hofman, Former Country Director at the World Bank

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Room for Discussion is the interview platform of the University of Amsterdam & SEFA est. 2008. We organise interviews with professors, entrepreneurs, economists, politicians, philosophers, CEOs and journalists to discuss relevant economic topics and recent events.