Building belonging
In a society shaped by migration and constant change, the question is no longer whether we live together in diversity – but how? What does it take to build a shared sense of home in a society where not everyone feels they belong? This evening, Rooted and Pakhuis de Zwijger launch Building Belonging: a multi-year initiative that shifts the conversation from individual integration to collective rooting. Bringing together public leaders, thinkers, and community voices, we create space for honest dialogue, lived experience, and new imagination – towards a society in which everyone belongs.
Together with Ahmed Aboutaleb Public leader Eefje Steenvoorden Program Lead for Social Cohesion, Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP) Noor Cornelissen Founder and CEO of RootedAbout the speakers
Ahmed Aboutaleb is public leader, and a leading voice on social cohesion and governance. He will be our guide this evening sharing reflections on belonging, drawing on his long experience in public service, as well as his personal experience of rooting in the Netherlands.
Eefje Steenvoorden is Program Lead for Social Cohesion, Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP) and provides a data-driven framing of social cohesion in the Netherlands today. She will outline key societal trends and tensions shaping togetherness.
Noor Cornelissen is founder and CEO of Rooted, and co-initiator of Building Belonging. She will introduce Rooted’s vision and methodology, positioning belonging as a collective responsibility.
Kiza Magendane is friction architect and author. As the host of the evening, he will guide the programme, holding space for dialogue, tension, and imagination throughout the event and leading the fishbowl conversation.
Read more Nieuwe grondVerhalen over aarden in Nederland én jezelf
Integratie is meer dan 'aanpassen en meedoen'Article by Rooted in Trouw
