A new name for a changing world
For over two decades, AMID Young Professional has been a leading training ground for professionals in international development, bridging academia and practice to equip over 650 alumni with the skills to drive change worldwide. The decision to move away from such a well-established name was made carefully, recognizing that ‘International Development’ no longer fully captures the realities of today’s global challenges.
The new name, Global Challenges, reflects a broader, more inclusive approach to global problem-solving. It signals a shift away from traditional donor-recipient models toward tackling systemic issues such as climate change, inequality, migration, and global health-issues that transcend borders and demand collective action.
Expanding the scope beyond development cooperation
While AMID has always focused on international development, the field has evolved. The term ‘Global Challenges’ acknowledges that today’s issues are interconnected and affect everyone – including the Netherlands. This new identity builds on AMID’s long-standing emphasis on sustainability, equity, and innovation, reaffirming its commitment to training the next generation of change agents. The programme will continue to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to navigate an increasingly complex world-fostering collaboration across sectors and borders.
A leadership transition: welcoming Willem Elbers
With this rebranding, Willem Elbers steps into the role of programme director, succeeding Sara Kinsbergen. Willem is a long-time member of the AMID team and brings deep expertise in international development and global challenges. A pracademic at heart, Willem has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world impact, ensuring that research and teaching translates into meaningful change.
Willem Elbers: ‘AMID is where ambition meets action, where development professionals are challenged to think critically, work collaboratively, and drive impact in a rapidly changing global landscape. My role is to ensure that the master in Global Challenges remains at the forefront of development education – equipping professionals with the skills, perspectives, and networks to become catalysts for change in their organisations and beyond.’&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
