MDG-Profs Platform meets Dutch Minister of Development Cooperation

10 december 2007

On 3 December 2007 the MDG-Profs Platform met with Dutch Minister Koenders to discuss the Platform’s plans to make better use of Dutch research institutions and higher education in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The MDG-Profs platform consists of VSNU, KNAW, SAIL, PIE and NWO-WOTRO.

A delegation of the platform chaired by Martin Kropff argued in favour of more cohesion between the scientific policy agendas of the various Ministries. They showed how twinning the Centers of Excellence in the Netherlands and developing countries leads to more capacity as well as excellent quality and innovative research. The Minister of Development Cooperation responded with enthusiasm to the plans of the Platform and looks forward to receiving a concrete proposal. A follow-up meeting will be held with the Minister in the spring of 2008.