ISS Newsletter | March 2025

Forgotten crises of war Following International Women’s Day, we spotlight the resilience of women and girls in the DRC. Dr Bilge Sahin and Innocent Lubingo Mazombo (Save the Children) unpack the complexities of justice in their fight for a better future. Read our interview

Pedalling through the gig economy Dr Roy Huijsmans joined Studio Erasmus to discuss why highly educated young migrants in the Netherlands turn to food delivery jobs. What drives their choices and what does it reveal about today’s job market? Watch his talk

Beyond the DEI backlash Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes are facing criticism in some parts of the world – but such DEI policies remain essential in higher education, says Dr Sreerekha Sathi. Why do they matter now more than ever? Read our conversation

Advocating for development aid From 2026, Dutch development aid will face major cuts. In their position papers presented to the Dutch Senate, ISS professors Thea Hilhorst and Dirk-Jan Koch outlined the risks and the need for global solidarity. Read their positions (in Dutch)

Lecture by Francesca Albanese The UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories recently gave a lecture at Erasmus University Rotterdam, organized by Dr Jeff Handmaker and EUR colleagues Watch the recording

Highlighting migration research The Dutch Ministry of Asylum and Migration recently visited ISS and engaged with our researchers about our diverse migration projects. Through insightful presentations, we highlighted key research shaping policy and impact. Learn more about research at ISS

International law and the question of Palestine How has the UN historically approached Palestine? The Legal Mobilization Platform launches its first podcast with Dr Ardi Imseis, exploring legal and political dynamics.  Listen to the podcast

Inequalities in climate change adaptation Where We Stand, a new booklet co-authored by ISS alums Patricia Enriquez, Liona Li, Mahardhika Sadjad and others, highlights climate-related vulnerabilities in Rotterdam’s local communities. Download the free booklet

Join our events

Overview of education fairs ISS will be participating in multiple education fairs this spring! Join a session to discover ISS and speak to current students. Find our overview

Looking inside the Dutch greenhouse 17 March | 17:30-19:30 CET Join our Community Café to listen, learn and engage as speakers interrogate the working and living conditions of (migrant) farmworkers in Dutch agriculture. More on this event

Global financial inclusion conference 20 March | 13:00-17:00 CET Oikocredit celebrates 50 years with a conference on the future of sustainable impact and social change in global finance. Register for this event

PhD defence by Rafael Rosa Cedro 20 March | 15:00-16:30 CET Cedro presents his research on Brazil’s economic development (2001-2014) and its influence on policy and strategy. Register for this defence

Humanitarian Governance webinar 26 March | 12:00-13:30 CET Nimalka Passanha, Shyamika Jayasundara-Smits and Kaira Zoe Cañete discuss the importance of protecting culture in times of crisis. Register for this event

See more events at ISS