Previous events:

Selection from the Committee:

Sol Zeev Ben Mordehai

Verkiezingsserie: Rob Jetten, leider van D66

Oct 8, 2025 | 13:00:00 - 14:00:00

“In the run-up to last year’s pivotal Dutch general election, political debate across the Netherlands centred on the future direction of the country, from the housing shortage and the future of education to pursuing ambitious climate goals amid growing geopolitical and economic pressures. Current members Zahra and Gabe interviewed Rob Jetten, at the time lead candidate for D66 and now Prime Minister of the Netherlands, as part of Room for Discussion’s election series. Even after the vandalism of his party’s headquarters after a far-right protest, Rob Jetten continued to promote optimism under the slogan “It can be done”. If you need some political optimism and these topics, and more, sound interesting, then this is the interview for you!”

This week in:

2020

UvA Executive Board: the university response to Covid-19

Nov 10, 2020 | 12:30 - 13:00

The Prime Minister Putin Exiled: Mikhail Kasyanov

November 4 | 13:00 - 14:00

Ann Pettifor

February 17, 2026

In this interview, Ann Pettifor, a political economist known for predicting the 2007/08 financial crash, discusses her views on the international financial system, which she refers to as the 'Global Casino.' She argues that the system is manipulated in favor of the wealthy elite, leading to financial crises that harm the general public. Pettifor emphasizes the need for regulation and a shift in focus towards domestic economies and climate change, advocating for a Green New Deal. She also highlights the importance of education and public understanding in driving systemic change.

"Climate change acts as a risk multiplier, exacerbating existing tensions and vulnerabilities, making conflicts more likely."

— Tom Middendorp in Klimaatgeneraal: Klimaatverandering als Nieuwe Vijand?, May 17, 2023

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