First Provincial G-Debate in the Netherlands at Gouvernement Maastricht

Today, a first for the Netherlands took place at the Gouvernement aan de Maas in Maastricht: the very first Provincial G-Debate. Six Limburg municipalities gathered with their participating residents and caregivers for an afternoon full of dialogue, inspiration, and collaboration around inclusion and participation of people with a (mild) intellectual disability, known as G.

During the G-debate, representatives from Heerlen, Horst aan de Maas, Peel & Maas, Sittard-Geleen, Venlo, and Venray, together with provincial council members and aldermen, engaged in discussions about current issues affecting the daily lives of people with disabilities. Under the leadership of chairpersons Jonne Lenssen and Michaela Vernooij - both from the target group - five statements were addressed: from accessible public transport to the right to meaningful daily activities, and from participation as an experiential expert to the importance of understandable election programs.

The debate was supported by videos from the municipalities, in which participants showed how they make their voices heard locally. A motion was also discussed to urge all Limburg municipalities to organize their own G-debate, so that the voices of people with disabilities are heard everywhere.

Example for the whole of the Netherlands

Deputy Elianne Demollin-Schneiders (Administrative organization and renewal) participated in the G-debate. She emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Today we have shown that participation means more than just words: it is about listening to each others experiences, searching for solutions together, and giving each other space to grow. The G-debate is not only a milestone for Limburg but an example for the whole of the Netherlands.” Therefore, the deputy pledged to send a letter to Minister Mariëlle Paul (Social Affairs and Employment) urging her to also organize a national G-debate.

Demollin-Schneiders also stressed the importance of progress: “This debate is just the beginning. We will continue to stimulate local participation and ensure that the province and municipalities keep building a truly inclusive society, together with the people it concerns.”

New forms of participation

With this G-debate, Limburg is not only a frontrunner in developing new forms of participation but also immediately focuses on long-term cooperation and strengthening the position of people with disabilities at the heart of policy.