In the beautiful Gouwekerk in the hospitable Gouda, the annual State Meeting took place, the most important networking event of the Province of South Holland.
About 400 officials from all walks of life were present. Think of mayors, aldermen, council members, members of colleges, and of the Provincial States. And of course, the officials from Water Boards, important knowledge institutions, and representatives from the business community.
The commissioner Wouter Kolff received them together with Pieter Verhoeve, the mayor of Gouda. The program featured an engaging lecture by Jaap Hoop Scheffer, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Secretary-General of NATO. He spoke about geopolitics and its impact on South Holland. We live in a time of international tensions.
And what is the impact of these geopolitical developments at the local and regional level? Mr. Hoop Scheffer called, among other things, to cherish and safeguard democracy. He also encouraged everyone to delve into their fellow human beings so that you can be there for each other.
