News item | 31-10-2025 | 16:32
The starting meeting of the National Dialogue will take place in Madurodam The Hague on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. This was previously announced by State Secretary Jurgen Nobel for Participation and Integration as part of the Integration Action Agenda. The first National Dialogue meeting will be opened by Prime Minister Dick Schoof.
The aim of the National Dialogue is to strengthen social cohesion in the Netherlands and to stimulate dialogue between different citizens and between citizens and the government.
State Secretary Jurgen Nobel: “It is important that we continue to look at what unites us as a Dutch society. With the National Dialogue we want to provide the space to have this conversation. Even – and perhaps especially – when it is uncomfortable. I think it is important that we continue to talk to each other and do not avoid each other because of an opinion.”
During the meeting, led by chairman Marco Pastors, participants will discuss topics such as: What does Dutch society mean to you? Is the Netherlands an open and free society for everyone, where you can be who you are? What unites us in our diversity? How do differences in views influence our contact with each other? What makes conversation about some topics difficult?
The invitees are well-known and lesser-known Dutch people, citizens and administrators from left to right, from progressive to conservative, employers and employees and with various ethnic, cultural and religious or non-religious backgrounds. The participants are also invited to suggest topics that are close to their hearts.
Continued National Dialogue
The National Dialogue takes place during the national Dialogue Week, which this year lasts from November 3 to 11, 2025. The government wants to continue these dialogues throughout the country in 2026. At the end of that year there will be a final meeting with various policy makers, scientists and involved citizens. The results are used to expand and tighten the policy approach in the field of social cohesion. Everyone is welcome to submit ideas on how we can strengthen social cohesion in the Netherlands via [email protected].