A region on the verge of breaking throughIn the Nota Ruimte, the national government challenges the province of Limburg to move beyond existing scale levels, deepen regional cooperation and make sharp choices at the intersection of housing, employment, mobility and energy. This requires a perspective that goes beyond municipal and landscape boundaries, and the clear visibility of the unique added value that Limburg can deliver to the spatial and economic future of the Netherlands.
The challenge for Limburg goes beyond growth alone: it calls for a course correction that positions the region as a leading, internationally connected, innovative growth region. A region in which economic transition, spatial quality and social value reinforce one another, and in which scarce space is deliberately put to work for a sustainable future. During this panel discussion, led by moderator René Buck, we explore how Limburg can capitalise on this ambition: how choices made today can shape the liveability and economic resilience of tomorrow.
Programme
Opening address by former Government Architect Floris Alkemade
Former Government Architect Floris Alkemade connects his work as an architect and urban design practitioner to a clear vision for the spatial future of the Netherlands. From his role in the Staatscommissie Demografische Ontwikkelingen 2050, he made an important contribution to the development of the Nota Ruimte, in which the major spatial and societal challenges towards 2050 come together.
Panel members
- Chris Kuijpers, Director-General of Housing & Construction
Chris Kuijpers is Director-General for Housing and Construction at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, where he works on national challenges in the fields of housing, spatial quality and future-proof construction. - Michael Theuns, Provincial Executive (Alderman) for Limburg
Michael Theuns is a member of the Provincial Executive of the province of Limburg and plays an active role in shaping the region’s future. From his portfolio, he advocates for a strong provincial position, with an emphasis on cohesion, collaboration and strategic choices that will move Limburg forward sustainably. - Emiel Reiding, Director-Secretary of the Parkstad-Limburg Urban Region
Emiel Reiding is the director of the Parkstad-Limburg Urban Region and works on strengthening the region as a coherent urban network. From his role, he is committed to sustainable renewal, regional cooperation and harnessing Parkstad’s shared power within the broader Limburg and national perspective. - Jan-Tjitte Meindersma, Vice-Chair of the Executive Board, Maastricht UniversityMaastricht University has secured a strong leader in Jan-Tjitte Meindersma, who brings relevant experience and knowledge from previous positions. In addition, as a born-and-bred resident of Maastricht, he is very familiar with how the city and region operate.
Moderator
- René Buck, CEO Buck Consultants International
René Buck is an experienced advisor and strategist at the intersection of space, the economy and regional development. With his broad view of long-term transitions and his ability to connect substance and perspectives, he leads this panel discussion.
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