On January 29 and 30, 2026, Aruba will host the Common Good Expo 2026 and the International Common Good Conference, bringing together community organizations, civil society leaders, policymakers, and internationally respected experts to strengthen the foundations of a just, inclusive, and sustainable society.
The event is organized by the Ministry of General Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Social Affairs, YMCA Aruba, and Fundacion pa Nos Comunidad.
Common Good Expo – January 29, 2026
The Expo will feature more than 50 community, social, and service organizations, offering them a platform to showcase their work, connect with volunteers, partners, and donors, and strengthen collaboration across sectors.
Designed as a living expression of the Common Good, the Expo highlights how solidarity, civic participation, and shared responsibility are already taking shape in Aruba through everyday acts of care, service, and commitment.
International Common Good Conference – January 30, 2026
Following the Expo, the International Conference will bring together local and international leaders for a full day of reflection and dialogue on democracy, ethics, economics, leadership, sustainability, and community building.
Featured International Speakers
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Prof. Michael Sandel (Harvard University), renowned political philosopher and author of The Tyranny of Merit and What Money Can’t Buy, addressing how meritocracy and market thinking can weaken social solidarity.
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Jan Peter Balkenende, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, and Govert Buijs, philosopher and economist, co-authors of Capitalism Reconnected, advocating for an economy rooted in shared values, ethical leadership, and sustainability.
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Peter Block, internationally respected author and practitioner in community building and civic leadership, known for Activating the Common Good.
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Ad Verbrugge, philosopher and public intellectual, author of The Crisis of Authority, examining the erosion of shared values and social cohesion.
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Jelle van Baardewijk, philosopher and business ethics expert, co-founder of the public philosophy platform De Nieuwe Wereld.
Local Speakers
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Dr. Robertico Croes (Florida International University), a global expert in tourism economics and destination development, focusing on tourism’s role in social justice, quality of life, and resilience in small island societies.
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Francielle Lacle, environmental expert and advisor to Prime Minister Mike Eman on sustainability and inclusive development.
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Thais Franken, lecturer and researcher at the University of Aruba and Program Manager of the Master’s in Governance and Leadership, contributing to institutional capacity and effective public governance.
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Esther Emerencia-Gomes, Director of Post Aruba N.V., recognized for her leadership in modernizing Aruba’s national postal service and her longstanding commitment to community development.
From Practice to Reflection
Together, the Expo and Conference form a coherent journey—from action to reflection and from reflection to future direction. The Expo highlights what communities are already building, while the Conference provides ethical, philosophical, and policy-oriented perspectives to guide future decisions.
Prime Minister Mike Eman expressed pride in Aruba hosting the event, stating that it reflects the island’s commitment to combining thoughtful dialogue with concrete community action in shaping a shared future.
The Government of Aruba invites community members, organizations, youth, policymakers, and international partners to participate in this renewed conversation on trust, dignity, solidarity, and the future being built together.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/aruba-ta-antfitrion-di-common-good-expo-2026-y-conferencia-internacional-e-cas-cu-nos-ta-construi-hunto
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