[red.]: de onderstaande tekst van oud-leerling Alexander Luijten, burgemeester van Heemskerk, werd uitgesproken bij de opening van IMUNA 2024.
My name is Alexander Luijten, I am the mayor of Heemskerk, a medium-sized town some 20 km to the south of Alkmaar – and I am also an alumnus of the Murmellius Gymnasium. As you may guess – it was quite a few years ago I myself attended this remarkable school. I have not been back since and I noticed a lot has changed.
The theme for this year’s conference is “Breaking Boundaries: Navigating Polarisation and Fostering Global Cooperation for a Unified Tomorrow.” Truly a theme which, at all levels, local as well as national or even international, resonates deeply in our interconnected world.
In the Netherlands the Sociaal en Cultureel Planbureau (the agency for social and cultural planning) has conducted extensive research on polarisation. The results indicate that three-quarters of the Dutch population express concern about polarisation. They associate it with deteriorating social norms and hardening in both political and public discourse. Additionally, they are irritated by extreme or radical expressions. However, it’s important to note that while polarisation and hardening are widely felt in political debates and on social media, personal experiences in one’s immediate environment can obviously vary.
While polarisation occurs across various topics, it is particularly present and evident in discussions related to issues of identity and moral values, leading to strong opinions on both sides. Examples of this are discussions on gender or climate, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination. Therefore one might argue that polarisation is perhaps less present in local government, where I myself am active, and perhaps more at a national and international level. Recent international conflicts, like Gaza and Ukraine are striking examples of this.
In a world where various challenges and complexities arise in the areas of human rights, poverty, climate change, and more, it becomes increasingly important to engage in meaningful discussions. The act of breaking boundaries involves courage—the courage to transcend divisions, to navigate through the currents of polarisation that often fragment societies.
As you gather here today, the pressing need for unity amidst growing global divisions is evident. Our theme underlines the importance of international collaboration in overcoming polarisation. We believe that only through collective efforts and a commitment to mutual respect we can dismantle barriers and create a world where cooperation triumphs over division.
Throughout this conference, you will debate critical issues that affect our world. Delegates, you have the opportunity to contribute to a more unified tomorrow — for the benefit of all. By researching, discussing, and finding suitable solutions, you can break these boundaries and foster a world where unity prevails amidst diversity.
Let us remember that IMUNA is not just about debating—it is about shaping the future. Each resolution, each negotiation, and each speech matters. It is through your dedication and collaboration that we can create positive change.
I would like to encourage you to embark on this journey together. To break boundaries, navigate polarization, and foster global cooperation. May your discussions be fruitful, your debates enlightening, and may your resolutions make a real impact.
During this conference, engage passionately but respectfully. Challenge assumptions, explore new perspectives, and find innovative solutions. And do not be too modest! Remember that your ideas matter – they can break boundaries and help shape your future.
I would encourage you to build bridges, not walls. In this respect, the willingness to listen to each other is essential. Listening is the very beginning of understanding each others perspectives and ideas. Without the willingness to listen and understand, bridges can not be built. In the words of one of my personal musical heroes, Elvis Costello: “What’s so funny ‘bout peace love and understanding”.
