ORANJESTAD (AAN): Representatives from education and research institutions across the Dutch Kingdom have officially signed a Kingdom-wide knowledge agenda, marking a new phase of collaboration in higher education and research.
The Kingdom Education Cooperation Agenda was signed during the three-day conference “Stop Braindrain, Start Braingain!” held in Aruba from April 13 to 15, 2026. Delegations from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, and the Netherlands participated in the event.
The agreement builds on a 2024 Letter of Intent and aims to strengthen cooperation between institutions, improve student success, and better align education with labor market needs across the islands.
A key focus of the Kingdom Education Cooperation Agenda is to develop, retain, and attract talent within the Kingdom. Government officials, educators, and labor sector representatives share the goal of reducing brain drain while promoting sustainable growth.
Ministers Gerlien Croes and Geoffrey Wever emphasized the importance of this initiative, supporting efforts to enhance local education systems and create more opportunities for students.
The conference also produced a practical action plan with clear priorities and steps toward achieving goals by 2030, including strengthening education, encouraging mobility, and improving workforce alignment.
The Kingdom Education Cooperation Agenda represents a significant step toward long-term collaboration and development across the Dutch Kingdom.
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