Stefan Verwer (Middelburg, 1974) studied Development Studies at the Radboud University in Nijmegen and is founder and director of lokaalmondiaal. He is the publisher of the magazin Vice Versa (on development issues) and since August director of Coolpolitics. He was involved in several international (lobbying) campaigns against the effects of unfair trade. He lobbied the WTO in Cancun (2003) and Hong Kong (2005), but profiled himself as a ciriticaster of regional free trade negotiations between Europe and Africa (the so-called Economic Partnership Agreements). Stefan now shows that the camera of the filmmaker, the pen of the journalist and the strength of the debate can be much sharper and effective. lokaalmondiaal produces documentaries and television programs on international cooperation and globalization. Coolpolitics wants to help young people to actively and equally participate in the public debate and decision-making processes that determine their lives, their society and their future. To this end Coolpolitics develops accessible cultural projects related to community involvement, knowledge and meaning. In these projects, Coolpolitics reach-out to young people in the places where they are already at, such as pop festivals, and makes use of (mass) media. The foundation was established in March 2002. All their projects meet the following brand values: content, Inspirational, Can Do, Confrontational, and Eclectic. Stefan Verwer speaks to the media and at debates and conferences regularly on topics such as development, globalization, football, youth culture, politics and Europe. On several occasions he has commented on development in the world of football for Aljazeera English. |
'The Battle for Affluence'
"The Battle of Ideas is a global treasure. Bringing together some of the world's leading thinkers for civil dialogue on an array of topics, the festival is a must-see for those deeply committed to the free exchange of ideas."
Fredrick C. Harris, professor of political science, Columbia University