University College Fryslân appoints Jaap de Hoop Scheffer as ambassador

University College Fryslân, part of the University of Groningen/Campus Fryslân, offers a small-scale, residential and interdisciplinary bachelor: Global Responsibility & Leadership. Prof. Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer will work for the University College Fryslân by acting as an ambassador and sharing his international knowledge and experience with students.

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer warmly supports University College Fryslân (UCF). "I believe in the concept of a University College. I already teach, with great pleasure, for nine years now at the Leiden University College in the Hague. Also UCF offers a broad education programme that stimulates young people's own responsibility and connects to many master's programmes. The bar is high which attracts good students", says De Hoop Scheffer. It is no coincidence that the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Secretary General of NATO opted for the University College Fryslân. "I have a close relationship with Friesland. My mother was born and raised here and my grandfather was doing business in the ‘Beurs-building’ where Campus Fryslân will soon be located. How beautiful it is when his grandson teaches there years later."

Stimulating leadership

Working with young people gives De Hoop Scheffer a lot of satisfaction and that is why he gladly transfers his knowledge. "At the University College Fryslân the theme of leadership is prominent and I want to position it in an international context." In addition to giving courses, De Hoop Scheffer has agreed to participate in fireplace talks, where students will learn what it means to be a responsible leader and learn from his international experience in a relaxed and cosy atmosphere.

About Prof. Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has a long career in international relations, was Minister of Foreign Affairs and Secretary General of NATO. De Hoop Scheffer is an expert in the field of international relations and peacekeeping and is committed to the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. He has personally contributed to Good Education (goal 4), Peace, Security and Justice (goal 16) and Partnerships for the Goals (goal 17) to create peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. The case studies in the Global Responsibility & Leadership bachelor's programme are based on the UN's sustainability objectives and are therefore in keeping with the knowledge and experience of de Hoop Scheffer.