"The four freedoms championed by the Roosevelt Foundation are more important than ever in these times. It is therefore vital to reach out to young people. This concerns our future, and certainly theirs too. At a time when power and money sometimes seem to be winning out over our democratic values, it is crucial to engage with pupils and students in a dialogue about what really matters in our society. Where disinformation and opportunism often prevail, it is essential to inspire them with real facts, by setting an example through those who have championed and embodied the four freedoms like no other."

Hendrik-Jan van Arenthals has extensive knowledge of and connections with education and research, both in Zeeland and beyond. He has been chair of the board of HZ University of Applied Sciences since late 2025. He has experience as a supervisor in primary education and as a board member in secondary and vocational education. As a Dutch language and literature specialist, he has a particular focus on language and communication. He has a strong network in vocational education and practice-oriented research in the Netherlands.

“I am committed to engaging young people even more with the four freedoms, to entering into dialogue with them and to enriching them with the work of the many inspiring people, not least the laureates. I have experienced how valuable it is to engage with students and pupils, and to actively involve them in the world in which they are shaping the future. In this regard, I am very interested in the possibilities offered by modern teaching methods, such as ‘serious gaming’."