Introduction

Every year 250 students and an equal number of non-students participate in the Veer Foundation Symposium. The students are generally in the final phase of their studies and come from Dutch and Flemish universities and colleges. The aim is to have as diverse a group of student participants as possible, in terms of discipline and location. The students are selected by a jury of professors on the basis of a thematic essay. We call the 250 participating non-students 'shapers of society'. This group includes people from the business community, government, science, art, interest groups and the media. In order to guarantee the quality and relevance of the exchange of views, the Foundation targets the 'shapers of society' and invites them personally to attend. In this group, too, diversity is sought so that the meeting between all participants, young and old, will be refreshing and inspiring through the combination of different perspectives. The Feather Foundation is about unique interaction: getting to know each other, sharing visions and learning from each other. In addition, we create a space where generations can inspire one another. In this way, shapers can contribute to the personal development of the new generation. Here lies the value of participating in this unique union of generations.