In the search for a vaccine against the coronavirus, the Netherlands has joined forces with Germany, France and Italy. Together, the four European countries will select high potential research programmes, negotiate jointly with developers and producers, and broker deals with various pharmaceutical companies. Where possible, production will take place on European soil.
The coronavirus outbreak has led to international and local sports events being cancelled across the globe. The International Olympic Committee postponed the 2020 Olympic Games due to be held in Tokyo this summer. A disappointment, but an understandable decision for athletes and sports aficionados alike. Fortunately, the Dutch Olympic committee was able to find a new purpose for some of its unused high-tech kit.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030. The SDGs are a call to action by all countries – rich, poor and middle-income to promote prosperity while protecting the environment.
As one of our most valuable natural resources, water is also an often-overlooked cause of conflict. As water is becoming even more scarce worldwide, the number of water-related conflicts also increases. Several specialised organisations teamed up to develop a new early warning tool, which predicts where future water-related conflict is likely to erupt up to a year in advance, to address a problem before it becomes violent.
To feed a growing world population, we must find innovative new ways to increase the food supply without endangering the environment. Sustainable agriculture is key here. Around the world, Dutch companies and their local counterparts cooperate to develop a sustainable model for food production, which is environmentally friendly and economically viable. One of them is Dutch agricultural company, Franzen BV, which is supporting Senegal to become more food self-sufficient.
On 16 May 2020, the organising committee of the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest produced an alternative TV show that amplified the power of music, in the spirit of unity and openness.
How do you stimulate responsible behaviour towards sexual and reproductive health (SHR) in teens and young adults. Especially in societies where taboos make it difficult to discuss sex. Teenage pregnancy and poor sexual health often result from ignorance and embarrassment. A Dutch initiative motivates young women and adolescent girls to make positive choices. This makes asking for sexual health advice easier and lowers the threshold to access contraceptives.