Willem Witteveen Symposium and Competition
Together with the Dutch Senate (Eerste Kamer), Tilburg University is organizing a symposium on Wednesday afternoon, July 3, focusing on the scientific, political, and cultural legacy of former senator and professor Willem Witteveen of Tilburg Law School. The symposium also includes a competition for young people up to 30 years old.
Willem Witteveen
Ten years ago, on July 17, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine. One of the victims was Senator and Professor Willem Witteveen, who was traveling with his wife and daughter. This year marks the tenth anniversary of their deaths. Witteveen's passing was a significant loss to legal science and the Dutch parliament.
Willem Witteveen was a polymath – a man of many talents. Not only was he a legal scholar and philosopher, but also a painter, a skilled pianist, and someone who integrated poetry into political discussions. All of these talents will be highlighted during the symposium.
Symposium Program
The symposium will be opened by Wim van de Donk, rector of Tilburg University, and Jan Anthonie Bruijn, President of the Senate. Maurice Adams, professor of Legal Encyclopedia at Tilburg University, will give a lecture, followed by a panel discussion led by Ingrid Leijten, professor of Constitutional Law at Tilburg University.
Former Senator Marleen Barth will recite a poem by Willem Witteveen. Finally, the three winners of the competition 'What Would Willem Witteveen Create?' will be announced. Mei Li Vos, Vice President of the Senate, will act as the moderator.
The symposium will begin at 2:15 p.m. at the Kloosterkerk in The Hague and will last until approximately 4:00 p.m.
Willem Witteveen Symposium (in Dutch)
Competition
"If only Willem were here," those who knew him will think. For this reason, the Senate and Tilburg University have announced a competition for young people up to 30 years old:
"What would you want to tell Willem Witteveen about the past ten years? What do you think is important to convey? What do you hope for, or what are you afraid of? Share your thoughts, feelings, or reflections in his spirit in a way that appeals to you: a letter, essay, painting, poem, or musical piece. What would you want to convey to him?"
Participants are asked to express their thoughts, feelings, or reflections in a way that resonates with them: a letter, essay, painting, poem, or musical piece. The three most beautiful, touching, or wisest submissions will win a fully hosted day as special guests of the Senate on Prinsjesdag 2024. The contributions will also be published on the Senate's website or exhibited in the Senate building.
Participants will naturally receive an invitation to the Willem Witteveen symposium on July 3, 2024, at the Kloosterkerk in The Hague. The winners will be announced during the symposium.
More information on the competition (in Dutch, contributions can also be submitted in English):