Being vigilant and continuing to invest in peace, security and freedom is more urgent than ever. The King’s Commissioner in Brabant, Ina Adema, said this on Sunday afternoon. She also said she is proud of a province that continues to create solutions that she believes make an impact regionally, nationally and internationally.
Adema gave a speech at the start of the traditional Philzuid New Year’s concert in the provincial government building in Den Bosch. On Sunday afternoon, the orchestra performed music by the Austrian Johann Strauss, led by Taiwanese conductor Mei–Ann Chen.
Ina Adema pointed out similarities between Strauss and Brabant in her speech. According to her, the musical virtuoso had the courage to renew and change the classical repertoire: “In this sense he fits in with Brabant, because here too, tradition and innovation go hand in hand. We combine thinking and doing.”
And that means that ‘our economy is well on its way to becoming the first in the Netherlands’, Adema stated. According to her, this is due to ‘smart interplay between, for example, entrepreneurs, educational institutions and governments.’ In her view, this makes Brabant a leader in areas such as economy, mobility, logistics and defense.
Speaking about defense, Adema told the audience that ‘unfortunately the reality is that we live in turbulent times.’ The Commissioner: “Tensions in the world are increasing. That is precisely why it is good that we reflect on eighty years of freedom. Not just as a milestone. But above all as a signal that we must be vigilant and continue to invest in peace, security and freedom. That is more urgent than ever.”
Adema also wanted to send a light-hearted signal: “There must be and remain room to do what we in Brabant are good at, and that is – to quote Guus Meeuwis – enjoying yourself with a soft G. Because that is also important. Because enjoyment is often about solidarity and connection. And to feel comfortable and at home somewhere.”
The Commissioner concluded her speech by urging all Brabanders to ‘just like Strauss, continue to follow our own course and work together towards a future that is even better, more sustainable and more beautiful.’
Philzuid’s New Year’s concert can be seen on Brabant+.