Professor Kim Putters receives Comenius Prize 2024 for vision of Broad Prosperity
On Saturday, April 6, the Comenius Prize 2024 was presented to Prof. Kim Putters in the Great Church in Naarden. The jury praised the President of the Dutch Social and Economic Council (SER) and University Professor of Broad Prosperity for his clear views of society. Kim Putters emphasizes the importance of the perspectives of individuals and argues in favor of a broader view of wellbeing, in which social, economic, and environmental factors are balanced.
Kim Putters was awarded the Comenius Prize because he is able to interpret what is going on in society and what changes are taking place in a very clear and well-founded way, suggesting ideas for people to continue to participate in society in a meaningful way.” He emphasized the transition to a different type of society and argues that a new social contract is necessary, based on people’s wellbeing. He suggests ideas to help people feel connected, to stimulate participation and people’s wish to stay connected. In doing so, Putters gives substance to Comenius’ ideas, who advocated equal educational opportunities for all.
University Professor of ‘Broad Prosperity’
As an ambassador of Tilburg University, Kim Putters provides academic and social impact. He is particularly involved in the theme of ‘Broad Prosperity’. This is an important strategic theme for Tilburg University, focusing on three interdisciplinary research themes: the sustainability transition, inequality, and wellbeing and health. He studies these broad social themes from a clear Tilburg approach, namely from the perspectives of laws and regulations, markets and organizations, society and citizens, and technology and data. ‘Broad Prosperity for everyone: for a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable society.’
Comenius Prize
Putters’ views of the complexity of present-day society and his solution-oriented approach link up seamlessly with the theme of Comenius Day 2024: "The labyrinth, looking for meaningfulness". Kim Putters follows in the footsteps of previous Comenius laureates like Tineke Ceelen (the Dutch Refugee Foundation, Stichting Vluchteling), History Professor Beatrice de Graaf, retired Dutch politician and jurist Herman Tjeenk Willink, and human rights activist Mardjan Seighali.