Job Cohen kicks off TEDxAmsterdam
Posted by Alexander Klopping on November 20, 2009 at 9:45 am
Mayor Job Cohen tells the crowd in the Royal Tropical Institute that it’s no coincidence that TEDxAmsterdam is being held in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is a city of many firsts, according to Job Cohen. 400 years ago, the first bank was created in Amsterdam. Shortly after, the worlds first stock exchange opened in Amsterdam. The Dutch East Indian Company carried out freight to the East and was soon ten times the size of it’s English competitor: the world first multinational company. From Amsterdam.
Even the first economic bubble started in Asmterdam: The city was the base of the very first international economic crisis. “Amsterdam was tolerance, individual freedom and a cherishing of culture. But the past is never gone forever and tomorrow begins today,” said Mr. Cohen. “Amsterdams economy is still diverse. The focus on trade and culture is still logical.”
“Therefore let me conclude: the most openness, freedom, international orientation. It’s a city where ideas flourish, and therefore TEDx is most welcome to the city of Amsterdam.”
