Mini conference WISTA The Netherlands 31 March from 12:00 onwards, including lunch and closing drinks
With confirmed speakers from UNESCO and De Correspondent, Mpowered, HR Center of Expertise Tech and involvement of Special Envoy Marja van Bijsterveldt and Young Port Talent Selin Ogis! And of course, our very own Karin Orsel!
Mark your calendars for this WISTA NL mini conference! In honor of Karin Orsel‘s IMO Gender Equality Award, we have created a unique opportunity to hands-on experience ‘futures literacy’. Learning how to move with confidence – even in uncertainty – towards an equitable, futureproof maritime world. And (finally) effectively start activating the indispensable talent to get there!
Step into the literally futuristic bubble of the ‘Drijvend Paviljoen’ at RDM Rotterdam as we explore how, with the right leadership, we can create a future-ready maritime industry—one where every voice is heard, every talent is activated, and the next generation feels inspired to lead. Expect bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and forward looking conversations that will spark momentum for real change from speakers such as Karim Amghar, Loes Damhof, Marja van Bijsterveld, Annet Koster, Marleen Goumans, Selin Ogis and of course Karin Orsel! We’re aiming to break down assumptions, enlighten blind spots and mobilize the powerful women that make up the WISTA network with new skills to drive the change and lead by example, just like Karin. We all have a role to play here, so are you in?!
Program:
12:00 -13:15 Welcome and lunch
13:15 – 13:30 Official opening with Karin Orsel & Marjolein Boer (President WISTA The Netherlands)
13:30 – 13:50 Fast forwarding into the future & setting priorities now – duo interview with Special Envoy Marja van Bijsterveldt & Young Port Talent Selin Ogis
13:50 – 14:50 Experience ‘Futures Literacy’ firsthand and gain the skillset to move from inertia to action – immersive keynote by UNESCO chair and expert in this field Loes Damhof
14:50 – 15:15 Let it sink in and grab a drink/bite
15:15 – 16:15 Tackling a big blind spot ánd leveraging the indispensable talent to get there – eye-opening keynote by De Correspondent author Karim Amghar
16:15 – 16:45 Bridge to an MPowered future – closing panel with KVNR Director Annet Koster, HR CoE Tech Chair Marleen Goumans, a student and Karim Amghar
16:45 – 18:30 Networking drinks
Location:
Drijvend Paviljoen Directiekade 15, 3089 JA Rotterdam
SIGN UP SOON
WISTA The Netherlands members: Sign up in the WISTA app.
If you are not (yet) a WISTA The Netherlands member: sign up via this link.
Seats are limited so sign up before 15 March and we look forward seeing you on Tuesday 31 March!
About the speakers:
Marja van Bijsterveldt, Special Envoy for the Maritime Manufacturing Industry, brings a sharp strategic vision and a proven ability to unite government, industry, and knowledge institutions. She played a key role in shaping the national Sector Agenda, focusing on innovation, energy transition, and strengthening our maritime competitiveness. Her leadership in execution of this agenda is solution?driven and grounded in a deep understanding of the sector’s urgency and strategic importance.
In an interview setting, Marja will offer clear, forward?looking insights that help audiences understand where the maritime sector must set its priorities to remain resilient. She translates complex geopolitical and industrial challenges into practical next steps, inspiring stakeholders to work together and seize the opportunities needed for a strong, future?proof maritime industry
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Loes Damhof is an inspiring speaker and facilitator known for her deep expertise in futures literacy (she is UNESCO Chair in this field!)— the ability to understand, anticipate, and actively shape possible futures. In her keynotes and workshops, she helps audiences develop this skill to better navigate uncertainty, think beyond short-term horizons, and make more conscious, future-oriented decisions.
Her sessions focus on topics like adaptive leadership, collaboration, creative problem solving, and building resilience in times of change. By encouraging reflection, sparking curiosity, and engaging participants in hands-on activities, her keynotes and workshops motivate people to step out of their comfort zones, unlock new perspectives, and make meaningful progress — both personally and professionally.
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Karim Amghar is a compelling speaker known for making complex societal issues—such as inequality, diversity, and inclusion—accessible and relevant through powerful storytelling and sharp insight. With experience as a writer, educator, and documentary maker for NTR, including work on Karim Pakt Zijn Kans and other impactful series, he has earned recognition such as the Compassieprijs and the title “Jonge Toezichthouder van het Jaar 2024.”
For the maritime sector—where global collaboration, talent development, and inclusive team cultures are increasingly vital—Karim offers perspectives that help organizations bridge divides and strengthen human?centered leadership. His keynotes leave audiences inspired, activated, and equipped with practical insights to build resilient, future?ready workplaces.
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Annet Koster, director of the Royal Association of Dutch Shipowners (KVNR), is a leading advocate for greater visibility and strong collective identity within the maritime sector. Known for her focus on confident leadership and clear communication, she represents a sector that is essential to the Dutch economy yet often too modest in showcasing its value.
As one of the initiators of the MPowered campaign, Annet emphasizes why a unified, recognisable maritime image is crucial for attracting talent and strengthening public awareness. MPowered highlights the sector’s importance for innovation, sustainability, and national resilience—and we need YOU to help mobilize the talent we need for that!
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Marleen Goumans is Director of the Centre of Expertise HRTech at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. She leads the centre with a strong focus on applied research and close collaboration between education, industry, and government.
CoE HRTech plays a key role in supporting innovation around themes such as digitalisation, energy transition, and circular economy — all crucial for the future of the Port of Rotterdam and the maritime sector. By connecting students, researchers, and companies in real-world projects, the centre helps develop the skills, knowledge, and innovations needed to keep the port and maritime industry competitive, sustainable, and future-ready.
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Selin Ogis, recently named Jong Haventalent 2026, represents the new generation shaping the future of the port and maritime sector. As an international risk consultant with a background in Maritime and Transport Law, she brings fresh insight into urgent challenges such as rising sea levels and extreme weather impacts on port infrastructure and logistics.
Her mission is clear: involve young professionals in energy transition, climate adaptation, and innovation to help build a resilient, zero?emission port by 2050. Selin’s leadership shows how essential young talent is for keeping the sector sustainable, forward?thinking, and competitive.
Hope to see you 31st of March!