Valedictory lecture Prof. Annelies Zoomers

Annelies Zoomers, Professor of Human Geography - International Development Studies will be giving her valedictory lecture entitled "Brave New World?" about Development as Freedom, the Foreignisation of Space and Migration.

In her valedictory lecture, Zoomers looks back at 40 years of International Development Studies (IDS) - but above all reflects on the present time and future. “Climate change, COVID-19 and war make us aware of new risks and vulnerabilities - for a very long time, the goal and means of development was seen as expanding people's freedom”. Warned by Huxley's Brave New World, she shows how new unfreedom is emerging in our time - what its consequences are, but also discusses possible solutions.

After seventeen years, Zoomers passes the baton to Kei Otsuki to lead IDS together with Ajay Bailey. “Over the past few years, our group has grown into a super-diverse and international team; together with colleagues from Africa, Asia and Latin America, we research the consequences of globalisation ‘on the ground’. Linked to topics such as climate change, land grabbing or international migration, we draw attention through research - including with students - to the impact on groups that often remain ‘under the radar’”. 

Zoomers was founding chairman of the Netherlands Land Academy LANDac (now collaborating with Fair Transitions) and Shared Value Foundation. The emeritate does not mean end of the story. She remains actively involved through her membership of the Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV) and chairmanship of the Committee on Development Cooperation (COS). She works on advice on climate policy - Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Europe's relationship with countries from the Global South.