On Saturday, March 8th, the JASON Institute for Peace and Security Studies hosted its much-anticipated Symposium on International Security, welcoming experts, students, and young professionals for a full day of thought-provoking discussions and practical workshops. Held at Schouwburgstraat, the event offered participants an immersive journey into the skills and insights shaping global security today.
Workshops: Learning Directly from the Experts
Following inspiring opening remarks from the Chair and the Jubilee Task Force Manager, participants delved into a diverse program of five intensive workshops, each providing a distinct angle on the world of international security.
Diplomatic Negotiations: The Art of Influence
In a room transformed into a high-stakes negotiation chamber, participants assumed the roles of diplomats navigating a tense international crisis. Guided by a simulation exercise from the Clingendael Institute, they developed critical skills in persuasion, strategy, and compromise, the foundations of effective diplomacy.
OSINT and Intelligence Gathering: The Power of Open Sources
Led by OSINT expert Janthe van Schaik, this session explored the modern landscape of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT). Participants learned how publicly available data, when skillfully analyzed, can uncover hidden threats, predict conflicts, and inform global security strategies, an essential tool in today’s information-driven world.
Speechwriting for Global Leaders
What elevates a speech from ordinary to world-changing? Former Dutch ministry speechwriter Jan Sonneveld revealed the secrets behind crafting speeches that move nations. Through a practical approach focused on structure, rhetoric, and emotional resonance, participants practiced creating narratives that could influence leaders and citizens alike.
Consulting Insights: Predicting the Unpredictable
In a world where uncertainty often dominates, the ability to foresee and navigate emerging risks is crucial. An expert consultant from a leading geopolitical risk firm introduced participants to key frameworks for analyzing complex scenarios. Beyond technical skills, the session also offered practical career advice, from breaking into the field after university to forging a personalized career path in security consulting.
Inside the Intelligence World: Insights from the AIVD
In a rare, behind-the-scenes session, a representative from the AIVD, the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service, offered a glimpse into the realities of intelligence operations. Through interactive crisis-response scenarios, participants experienced the pressure and precision required to assess threats and advise decision-makers in real time.
A Call to Action
As the day drew to a close, Rio Praaning delivered powerful closing remarks, encouraging participants to carry their new insights forward, to question assumptions, to challenge the status quo, and to actively shape the future of global security. The Symposium was not just a learning experience; it was a rallying cry for the next generation of security leaders.
The day ended with a lively networking session, where participants used specially designed “question cards” to spark meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and build connections across fields and backgrounds.
Thank You to All Participants and Speakers
The JASON Institute extends its heartfelt thanks to all the speakers, workshop hosts, and participants who made the Symposium a success. The energy, curiosity, and dedication shared throughout the day underscored the importance of continuous learning and engagement.
