The UAF helps refugees to find a life of freedom in the middle of our society. This is only possible if we give refugees opportunities and see what the power of refugees is.

Flee from Kosovo

That is why we focused on a compelling story during the symposium from UAF colleague Teuta Curri, who talked about her flight from Kosovo that ultimately led to her job at the UAF.

Robbert Dijkgraaf's inspiring keynote speech indicated how important it is to give refugee scientists and students a safe haven, especially now that academic freedom is increasingly threatened. Rachel Streefland shared how constructive steps are being taken in the Municipality of Utrecht to allow newcomers to participate more quickly. And Anton Pijpers as host emphasized how important education is and the close ties that the UAF has had with the University for years.

Let refugees participate

There was also a panel in which the discussion was held about how we can now do more in the Netherlands to help refugees participate more quickly and empower them. The outcome was that a number of things could really be different; for example, dropping the much-discussed 24-week requirement. But also the call for an open mind towards refugees.

Patron of the UAF

It was an honor to have HRH Princess Beatrix, who has been patron of the UAF since 1961 - 62 years - in our midst. On behalf of the UAF, the students, professionals and alumni, the UAF presented her with one of the watercolors of our alumni – artist Ahmad Mallah – as a thank you.