From September 24 through 26, I was on Terschelling with my colleagues Stefan Szepesi and Fenneke van der Vegte to participate in the Springtij Forum 2025. For all three of us, it was our first time at the Forum. It turned out to be three wonderful days with plenty of ‘stars’ on stage and countless stars above the island. In this blog, I’ll look back on the event with you, tell you about the sparkles, and I even have a real contest for you!

Skylge is the real star

On Wednesday morning, the Springtijboat docked in the harbor of Terschelling. From there, we walked with 797 other participants to the beach, where a shared lunch awaited us. Before continuing on our way to the Forumdorp, we could settle in and get to know others on a picnic blanket in the dunes. In the meantime, we received a fantastic welcome from sound artist Sytze Pruiksma, who, with his musical story, helped us all land on the island.

The beautiful dance through Creek McCall and Friends, a welcome from Terschellinger Piet Noordenbos and the organizers Katinka Abbenbroek and Annemieke Nijhof gave the starting signal. This year's theme? “Now more than ever!” Because now more than ever, we must talk to each other, we must listen, we must be steadfast, but also dare to change our minds. Under the umbrella of “Now more than ever!”, numerous topics were discussed, such as sharing responsibility. A dignified economy. A livable environment. Nature as a guideline.

With keynotes from Professor Jan Willem Erisman (Leiden University & Chair of the Scientific Climate Council) and Steven van Eijck (Special Government Representative for the Circular Economy) it became clear once again: a circular economy is the only future we have, and a circular economy begins with a circular society.

Fenneke then attended a workshop on accelerating tipping points, Stefan delved into “True Pricing: the price of water,” and I returned enthusiastically from a session on “Courage & Leadership.” Before we knew it, the first day was over. Aside from the substantive sessions, there was ample room for personal meetings and reunions. The food was great, drinks were plentiful, and it concluded with a crackling campfire.

Only in the dark can you see the stars

After a refreshing bike ride from the B&B, it was time for day 2. Karien van Gennip, former Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, held up a mirror to us. “The fortunate 40% of our society is doing well. But large groups feel unheard and are putting their lives on hold. That’s demoralizing and makes life seem hopeless. How do we ensure that they, too, have opportunities?”

Then it left Tom Middendorp (Former Chief of Defence) sees how climate and security are inextricably linked. Growing scarcity and climate change are increasing tensions worldwide. His message was clear: “The solution lies not in fighting over what is scarce, but in alternatives.”

Day 2 gave us the opportunity to attend a work session twice. I was very impressed with the session with Abdelkader Benali. The importance of good stories and creating a sense of "we." I will often think back to this.

Fenneke simultaneously attended a confession session. A new experience for someone who was raised non-denominationally. The essence was simple: by existing, you matter. It's about who you want to be and what you do to achieve that.

To balance the cognitive with the physical, there were various excursions at the end of the day. Think of sloop rowing, mountain biking, and Hyrox (you, the reader, can decide which of us did what). The day ended again with food and drinks at the Forum village. A highlight outside the program was the nocturnal bike ride home under a magical starry sky.

Reap and sow, develop and turn.

The third and final day of Springtij began just like the first. With song and dance by Feadan & Friends. After that, there were again two top speakers! First Nienke Meijer (National Citizens' Assembly on Climate). She showed how a citizens' assembly can function. Writer Abdelkader Benali took us along on ancient tales, the workings of language, and the power of lessons from the past.

In the last round of work sessions, we were able to delve deeper into a few themes one last time. Stefan attended a lecture by the one and only nitrogen professor Jan Willem Erisman, Fenneke took a deep dive into the food transition, and I was in a session about the administrative knot that area processes often get entangled in.

At the end of the afternoon, we gathered once more in the plenary tent. Katinka Abbenbroek and Annemieke Nijhof took the floor once more, as did the islander. Ilmar Wessels. Finally, there was TyphoonWhat else can I say about this man? A jack of all trades. A beautiful soul. A master of words. He touched me deeply with his stories and songs. It felt energetic and vulnerable at the same time. Fortunately, Typhoon sent us on our way with the words, among others: “Vulnerability is often seen as something negative. But it is precisely the opportunity to be touched, and that is what makes it so beautiful.”

With a walk from the Forum village to the boat, we concluded Springtij Forum 2025.

Finally

I believe it's written in the stars: a future with WesselinkVanZijst and Springtij. After all, we share the same ambitions, dreams, and concerns. We're not just about words, but also about actions. And we believe that beautiful things emerge precisely through connection. As far as I'm concerned, WesselinkVanZijst will take a more substantive, active role in Springtij in 2026. Time for a good internal discussion.

Senior consultant

Bas Liebeek