Establishment of the Prince Claus Chair

January 2003

Establishment of the Prince Claus Chair in Development and Equity
 
During a special academic ceremony on 6 March 2003, Utrecht University and the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) will officially establish the Prince Claus Chair in Development and Equity. The Prince Claus Chair is a rotating chair in the field of development cooperation. Young academics from Africa, Asia, Latin America or the Pacific will be appointed to the Chair for one academic year, with the Chair alternating annually between Utrecht University and the ISS. The procedure for the appointment of a candidate to the Prince Claus Chair will be carried out by the Curatorium of the Chair, consisting of Princess Máxima of the Netherlands (Chair), Professor B. de Gaay Fortman (Vice Chair), Professor W.H. Gispen (Rector Magnificus of Utrecht University) and Professor J.B. Opschoor (Rector of the Institute of Social Studies).

In establishing the Prince Claus Chair, Utrecht University and the ISS aim to advance research and teaching in the field of development and equity. Both institutions are honoured that Queen Beatrix has agreed to naming the Chair after the Prince. 

During the ceremony, an honorary doctorate will be awarded to the President of the Inter-American Development Bank, Enrique V. Iglesias. The award of this honorary doctorate and the establishment of the Prince Claus Chair attest to the deep respect and appreciation of the academic community of Utrecht University and the ISS for Prince Claus as a person, for his work, and for his commitment to and authority in the field of d throughout the world.

Press information
The Chair will be established and the honorary doctorate awarded during a special academic ceremony in the Dom Church in Utrecht on 6 March 2003, attended by Queen Beatrix and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands. The ceremony will start at 15:45 and members of the press are welcome to attend. 
 
Registration 
Those wishing to attend should send notification of their attendance by Wednesday 5 March 2003 to:
The Government Information Service (Rijksvoorlichtingsdienst)
Press and Publicity Department
Tel.: +31 (0)70 356 4142
Fax: +31 (0)70 356 4684

For more information, please contact Joop Kessels at Utrecht University (tel.: +31 (0)30 253 4477).