How can organisations and professionals prepare for a world in which crises, geopolitical tensions and hybrid threats are becoming increasingly prominent? This question is at the heart of the Weerbaar Limburg Symposium, a Dutch event taking place on 12 November 2026 at Brightlands Chemelot Campus.

Resilience is becoming an increasingly important topic for government, education and business. It connects to various domains, including crisis management, civil-military cooperation, the labour market, education and organisational development. To better prepare organisations and people for future challenges, investing in knowledge, skills and continuous development is essential.

During the symposium, the UM Academy for Lifelong Development will bring together regional partners from practice, policy and education. Participants will discuss what is needed to make organisations and employees future-ready and resilient. A key focus will be the role of Lifelong Learning and Development (LLO): how can continuous development and collaboration contribute to societal resilience?

The interactive programme offers opportunities for inspiration, knowledge exchange and networking. Contributions will include insights from Astrid Boeijen (CEO, Brightlands Chemelot Campus), Mark Levels (Professor of Civil Military Relations, Netherlands Defence Academy) and Philip Vergauwen (Dean of the UM Academy for Lifelong Development, Maastricht University School of Business and Economics).

The symposium is organised by the UM Academy for Lifelong Development and made possible with support from the Municipality of Maastricht, Safety Region South Limburg, Limburg Employers Association, Brightlands, the Province of Limburg and the Ministry of Defence.