Leiden, November 25, 2024 – Protesters gathered in The Hague today to oppose planned cuts to education. The event, an alternative to the canceled demonstration in Utrecht, drew significant attention and underscored the urgent call to continue investing in knowledge, talent, and innovation.
Last week, the municipality of Leiden and local educational institutions organized an alternative protest to show their solidarity. Hundreds of supporters gathered to collectively emphasize: “No innovation without education!” Through a united message, they highlighted the importance of structural support for education, both for the region and the nation as a whole.
Joint Call to the Government
As a knowledge city, we demonstrate that collaboration between education, business, and government is essential for a strong economy. Supported by partners such as Leiden University, LUMC, Leiden University of Applied Sciences, mboRijnland, Naturalis, and companies at the Leiden Bio Science Park such as Johnson & Johnson and Airbus Defence & Space NL, Knowledge City Leiden issued a video message urging the government to reconsider its planned cuts:
“We need a robust education system that trains diverse talent and fosters groundbreaking research with immediate impact. But this vital contribution to our knowledge economy is at risk if the government proceeds with these cuts to education. This comes from a government claiming to prioritize innovation.
That’s why we, as educational institutions, businesses, and the municipality, call on you: keep investing in education, innovation, talent, and research. Only then can we, as a strong knowledge city, maintain our knowledge and innovation strength for the benefit of the Netherlands.”
Knowledge City Leiden
Recently named National Education City 2025, Leiden is known as a hub where education, research institutions, and businesses collaborate on future solutions. From the development of innovative new medicines to technological advancements at the Leiden Bio Science Park, this knowledge positions the Netherlands as an international leader in innovation.
