How do we build a society that is balanced with people, nature, and future generations? This question was central during the Broad Prosperity Day on November 10, 2025, organized by Tilburg University and the Province of North Brabant. Researchers, administrators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and students gathered in the Cobbenhagen Building to explore how broad prosperity can be the compass for a strong and sustainable future.

Opening of the Day

Under the leadership of chair Kimberley Snijders, Wim van de Donk, rector magnificus and chairman of the Executive Board of Tilburg University, and Saskia Boelema, deputy for Broad Prosperity of the Province of North Brabant, opened the day.

“Broad prosperity is about more than numbers and growth; it is about how we together ensure a Brabant where everyone can participate, now and in the future. This day shows how powerful it is when knowledge, policy, and involvement come together,” said Saskia Boelema.

Three Perspectives on Change

Next, three speakers shared their vision on how we can build a sustainable future together.

  • Herman Vollebergh (professor at Tilburg University and Senior Research Fellow at the Central Planning Bureau (CPB)) spoke about “the economy as an engine of change.” He advocated policy choices that not only stimulate economic growth but also increase social resilience.
  • Lotte Prins (chair of the National Youth Council (NJR) and SER Youth Platform) put youth in the spotlight: “Young people are not a side issue, but builders of broad prosperity.” She called for structurally involving younger generations in policy and decision-making.
  • Minchenu Maduro (visionary and founder of Revolutionary Different) shared a personal and inspiring story about inner leadership: “True transition starts from within.” She emphasized the importance of courage and resilience in change.

Afterwards, Kim Putters (chair of the Social and Economic Council, university professor of broad prosperity at Tilburg University) and Otto Raspe (chief economist Rabobank, Professor of Practice Tilburg University) reflected on the three perspectives.

Poem about Broad Prosperity

The plenary closing had a poetic note with the poem Versmallen by campus poet Max Verhaar, specially written and presented for this day. Read the poem on the Tilburg University website (links to another website)

Break-out Sessions: Dialogue on Policy, Work, and the Future

In more than 20 sub-sessions, participants engaged in conversations on various themes: from youth and work to policy, living environment, and the future of the Netherlands and beyond. Questions addressed included: What can a new government learn from international initiatives for broad prosperity? What does the future of work look like for Brabant youth? How do you translate broad prosperity at strategic, tactical, and operational levels? And how do we bring the ambitions of the Draghi report to life in Brabant?

The abundance of perspectives made one thing clear: broad prosperity only gains meaning when knowledge, policy, and people’s lived experiences come together.

The Future Wall: A Colorful Mosaic of Wishes and Portraits

A crowd-puller was the Future Wall, where visitors could share their wishes for the future. These wishes were written on cards and pinned to the wall, along with a portrait drawn by a quick sketch artist. The wall grew into a colorful mosaic of dreams, ambitions, and drawings.

The Future Wall not only sparked conversations on the day itself but also provides valuable input for the 2026 edition. The drawings and quotes form the basis for the Campuskiek, a (photo) reportage capturing the atmosphere of the day.

View the Campuskiek of the Broad Prosperity Day 2025 (links to another website)

Reflection and Meeting

During the closing networking drink, the energy remained palpable. New contacts were made, ideas shared, and follow-up appointments arranged. The Future Wall remained a lively conversation starter and a symbol of what characterized the day: building together a future in which broad prosperity is the connecting factor.

Broad Prosperity at Tilburg University

A broad prosperity perspective and the principles of social justice and equality are in the DNA of Tilburg University. With our research and education, we contribute to a society that recognizes it is not only about technological and economic growth but also about deep attention to ecological and social forms of growth and justice. In the Broad Prosperity Program (links to another website), Tilburg University collaborates in academic workplaces with societal partners on the opportunities and challenges of, among others, the pension system, healthcare system, labor market, energy transition, poverty, and digitalization of society.

Broad Prosperity at Province of North Brabant

The Province of North Brabant aims to promote both the well-being and prosperity of its residents. We want Brabanders to be happy and healthy, able to make their own choices and take control of their lives. Therefore, the province is committed to strengthening the broad prosperity of all Brabanders. We strive for a Brabant where all inhabitants have the opportunity to fully realize their potential, regardless of background or circumstances.