With great shock, we learned yesterday that the Flemish government has announced its intention not to renew the management agreement with the Institute of Development Policy (IOB) at the University of Antwerp. The funding associated with the management agreement amounts to €2,643,429 in 2025 and forms the backbone of our operations, sustaining 32 core staff and our teaching and research activities.
Since its creation in 2000 IOB has consistently received highly positive evaluations. Only weeks ago, as requested by the Flemish government administration, we submitted our new policy plan and our budget for the 2026–2030 period. Like earlier agreements, the ongoing 5-year management agreement (2021-2025) announces its renewal in case of a positive evaluation. Negotiations with the Flemish government administration on a new agreement are well advanced. Yesterday’s announcement therefore comes as a great surprise and goes against the reasonable expectations created by the Flemish government.
IOB is widely recognised as a global key player in development studies, and for its regional expertise on Central Africa. Drawing upon a multidisciplinary approach, IOB offers three Master programmes that are particularly oriented towards students from the Global South, while also attracting participants from the Global North. Our global network of high-level alumni active in governments, international organisations, business, NGOs, academia enhances the soft power of Flanders and Belgium by strengthening their visibility, influence and partnerships worldwide. In doing so, IOB contributes directly to the international reputation and policy impact of Flanders and Belgium.
What makes the announcement particularly painful is the timing of its supposed implementation, which would mean we only have 3 months of funding left. This leaves us with pressing concerns about how we can complete the current academic year responsibly, and about the consequences for our students, staff, and international partners.
We therefore regard this announcement as both misinformed and short-sighted, with potentially harmful consequences not only for our institute, but also for the international reputation of Flanders as a hub of academic excellence and global engagement, as well as for the many policy actors with whom we collaborate on a daily basis – both in Flanders and the Global South. We hope that in the next steps – the parliamentary debate, and conversations with the Flemish government – this can be addressed.
Our alumni & global community are standing with IOB!
Sign the petition to oppose cuts to IOB’s core funding & protect students’ futures, global collaboration & academic excellence. https://chng.it/8DhtrFSBpm
Stand with our students and staff —please share your thoughts below or stand with us in this crucial moment. #SaveIOB
A misinformed decision which requires reconsideration. Phasing out in three months time is impossible for a professional institution with staff contracts and multiple financial partnerships in the Global South. And it does not make sense at all considering the long standing reputation and relevance of IOB. I feel that the misunderstand is based on the wrong assumption that IOB is doing some kind of vague “policy work” and has no impact or relevance in the Global South. Wrong! I trust that the Flemish government will act responsibly, based on new information coming their way about your outstanding work and ongoing commitments.
As a graduate of the UAntwerp – Institute of Development Policy (IOB) from the Global South, I am deeply saddened by the Flemish Government’s sudden decision to cut all core funding for IOB within three months.
IOB has been a bridge between the Global South and North, advancing world-class research, teaching, and partnerships that benefit Flanders, Belgium, and the world.
I stand in solidarity with the IOB community and hope this decision will be reconsidered.
VLIRUOS
#IOB
#UAntwerp
#HigherEducation
#GlobalSouth
#AcademicExcellence
IOB stands for academic excellence. It is also a symbol of successful cooperation between the Global North and the Global South. It represents Flanders and Belgium superbly. The decision to cut its funding is ill-informed, with devastating consequences… IOB will survive.
This is an unmitigated disaster. IOB is among the leaders in our field. The Flemish Government should reconsider this decision. Are there no legal safeguards against such rash and destructive decisions? Institutions cannot change funding structure in such a short time.
Shocked & distressed by the Flemish government’s decision to end IOB’s agreement. As an alumna & staff, I see this as inconsiderate and harmful—threatening students, colleagues, and global partners. For 25 years, IOB has shaped leaders worldwide and strengthened Flanders’ global reputation. Three months of funding cannot erase decades of impact. This short-sighted decision must be reconsidered.
As an alumnus and current staff member of IOB, I am shocked by this abrupt announcement. It is difficult to understand how such a far-reaching decision can be taken without due consideration for the people, students, and partnerships directly affected. I find the decision both ill-informed and apathetic. The short timeline is especially worrying, leaving us little space to finish the academic year responsibly. For me, IOB has always stood for rigorous, engaged scholarship and an inclusive international community; values that risk being dismantled overnight. I sincerely hope the government reconsiders and allows us(IOB) to safeguard what has been built for 25 years with so much dedication.
IOB created an international platform for the sustenance of the evolving nature of evaluation and research.
The IOB development courses are attractive and useful in enhancing strategic thinking and practical solutions to problems both in the developed and least developed countries. I believe as a former student of DEM, I would urge the Flemish government to make an impact evaluation of the IOB outputs (products) before taking the final decision in relationship to; 1. the application of the skills and knowledge acquired after study, 2. Satisfaction of the training process and course content, 3. Influence of the courses on the perception of Belgium around the world when it comes to education and development courses in particular. To me IOB is the best training institute in Europe when it comes to development courses because of the teaching methods that involve practical and contextualizing concepts. Failure to secure funding for IOB means, a lost opportunity for students from developing countries to acquire better skills and knowledge to develop their countries, inadequate competencies to participate in development discussions and holding their governments accountable. But also the donor countries will miss out on well trained graduates to collaborate and work with in the least developed countries. My plea is for the Flemish government to reconsider and continue funding IOB Development Management programs if they intend to continue offering foreign assistance but also influence development discussions at global level.
I was saddened to hear about the threat to IOB’s funding. The institute’s research, teaching, and global impact are invaluable, and losing it would be a major setback for inclusive and evidence-based development policy.
The Institute of Development Policy (IOB) has been a true game changer for Flanders’ engagement with the Global South. Through the education, exposure, and networks I gained at IOB, I was able to return to Tanzania and establish a company that directly connects Belgian businesses with smallholder farmers.
As a result of this connection, we have successfully facilitated the export of more than 132 tonnes of avocado produce in partnership with a Belgian company. This collaboration has enabled 50 Tanzanian smallholder farmers to access international markets, including the Mabru International Fruit Market in Brussels. The outcomes are significant: farmers’ incomes have increased, Belgian companies have reduced operational and intermediary costs, and both sides have benefited from a more efficient and direct supply chain. This win–win partnership has not only strengthened Belgian businesses but has also made a concrete contribution to poverty reduction among Tanzanian farmers.
These achievements would not have been possible without the education and support provided by IOB. The return on Flanders’ investment is clear: by equipping graduates with the skills and networks to build sustainable partnerships, IOB enhances Belgium’s global role, drives inclusive economic growth, and opens new opportunities for Belgian companies in emerging markets across the Global South.
For this reason, I strongly urge policymakers to recognize the profound impact of IOB and to reconsider any plan to cut of its funding. Supporting IOB is not merely an academic investment it is a strategic contribution that delivers lasting value for both Flanders and the Global South.
IOB has brought emerging global issues to the forefront, fostering discussion among experienced professionals worldwide. It has supported development professionals, managers, and leaders from developing countries in identifying solutions to the challenges they face, with the guidance of dedicated lecturers and professors. As an alumna from Vietnam, I am grateful for what I learned and gained from IOB programs.
To the Flemish government: you cannot truly understand the impact that IOB has brought to us, unless you come from the communities that benefit like us! Save IOB, the world needs this global key player in development studies!
It’s quite unfortunately and disturbing for the Flemish government to make such a ratic and drastic decision. I believe any transition should have a gradual process to avoid panic, stress and negative consequences. IOB is an international community hub which has been very impactful to the global south in regards to policy development and transformation. Its really my hope and prayer that the government reconsiders it’s decision.
Having worked at IOB for three years in quality assurance and innovation, I have seen first-hand the dedication of professors — not only to their research, but also to quality teaching and creating impact in partner countries and on their students. They always went the extra mile for their students, alumni and for meaningful collaboration with countries in the Majority World.
It is with deep concern that I learned of the Flemish government’s intention not to renew the management agreement. Beyond the numbers, this decision threatens an institute that has consistently delivered excellence, global engagement, and relevance in today’s world.
I stand in solidarity with the staff, students, and alumni of IOB in this crucial moment. #SaveIOB
As alumnus of IOB, this is deeply shocking news—not only for IOB, but for many of us who consider it a home (while far way), and dream of returning or stay connected in some way. My time at IOB as VLIR-OUS scholar left a lasting impact. The institute’s commitment to rigorous teaching, policy-relevant research, and meaningful collaboration, especially in South-North cooperation, has always stood out as consistent and visionary. IOB must continue to shine and thrive. It has my full support. I hope the Flemish Government, who I came to know through IOB, reconsider its decision!
We consider this decision premature and regrettable, as it comes at a time when IOB continues to receive excellent evaluations and when advanced discussions were already underway with the Flemish administration regarding the renewal of the management agreement. Nevertheless, we remain convinced that the arguments in favor of IOB, the quality of our research, the relevance of our teaching, the global impact of our alumni, and the international recognition of our expertise , make a strong case for reconsideration.
I also speak as a former student: I am myself a product of IOB. Thanks to the training, international exposure, and networks the Institute provided, I have become a recognized professional , “marketable” in academic and professional settings, able to contribute to development policies and international partnerships. What I gained from IOB, I now pass on in my own work. It is precisely this added value that Flanders stands to lose if this hasty decision is not reversed.
We believe that, through parliamentary debate and constructive dialogue with the Flemish government, it will be possible to safeguard the essential role that IOB plays for the international reputation and global engagement of Flanders.
The Flemish government’s decision to cut funding for the IOB is surprising and concerning. The IOB is a major global player in development studies and scientific research, serving as an essential bridge between the Global North and South. This sudden cut threatens not only staff and students but also Flanders’ international reputation as a hub of academic excellence.
This is such a shame, how can you promote democracy and freedom of speech if you’re trying to choke your own people who are speaking the truth?
It is such a wastage, if government cannot stand the opinion of its experts, whom it did invest in their education at first place.
As an alumni and current student of IOB, I am deeply shocked by the sad news regarding cutting of funds. I consider IOB as one of the core institutions in Belgium , Europe and beyond that champion development conversions, research and implementation in the Global South. The networks that IOB has established through its Master programs, PhDs, and development research are beyond all borders! The development impact IOB has is making in the Global South is invaluable! Cutting funds will immensely affect the institutions efforts and impact. Moreover, such sudden decision will highly affect all stakeholders at IOB and its networks. I believe a clear and inclusive discussion that involves the Flemish government and all IOB stakeholders is necessary. This is the only way the government will understand IOB’s critical role and the need for the institution’s sustainable funding. As a global South change maker, I am because of IOB and the funding that allows it to operate. I am because we are IOB! Reconsideations by the Flemish government are very necessary!!
As a graduate in Development Studies and Evaluation currently working with an international organization in my home country, I have gained strong skills in Monitoring and Evaluation of development projects, thanks to the training I received at IOB. This experience has enabled me to view development projects not only as interventions but also as critical pathways toward grassroots empowerment and national development.
The IOB program has instilled in me a monitoring mindset,one that emphasizes results and the tangible impact of interventions on improving the Global South.
In this regard, I urge the Flemish government to reconsider its decision to cut funding, as the consequences extend far beyond financial constraints. Such a move risks undermining not only the progress of development efforts but also the international reputation of the Government of Flanders as a reliable partner in advancing global development.
The IOB is recognized globally for its high quality research and engagement with the Global South. This sudden cut in funding effectively destroys the networks and activities IOB has created and engaged in over the years. There is no need for such a destructive policy: smaller funding cuts over time could provide the IOB the time to search alternative funding routes and /or rely on staff leaving because of other reasons than lay-offs, minimizing the human impact of such a rushed policy decision.
L’IOB est un institut qui a énormément contribué à la formation de haut niveau des Congolais pour ses programmes qui rencontrent un réel besoin des étudiants, du personnel scientifique et académique de nos différentes universités.
On peut supposer que le gouvernement flamand n’est pas suffisamment informé du statut prestigieux de l’IOB et de sa remarquable contribution surtout en RDC.
Couper le financement de notre IOB, c’est réduire l’audience académique de l’UA , et démotiver tous ceux qui ont consenti d’énormes sacrifices pour façonner l’IOB et lui donner une envergure internationale.
IOB is more than an academic institution—it is a global connector. Across cities in the Global South, you will find IOB alumni leading change, building partnerships, and advancing development. This is not a coincidence—it is the result of decades of meaningful collaboration between Belgium and countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
IOB’s research and academic cooperation have generated tangible socio-economic impact, strengthening institutions, informing policy, and fostering inclusive development. Cutting its core funding risks severing these vital ties and undermining Belgium’s legacy of global solidarity.
The Flemish government needs to recognize the value of IOB’s contributions and to renew its core funding. Let us protect this bridge between Flanders and the world.
I am a former student and I can’t say what I have benefited from studying at that great institution. I actually got a Flemish scholarship to study my Masters in Global management and Development. This is really tragic and traumatic to think about.
The amount involved per year is nothing to write home about for a country like Belgium.
It is deeply saddening to witness the closure of academic and social development programs around the world. This decision reflects the undeniable wave of disconnection and apathy that political agendas are showing globally. As a woman who has recently arrived in Europe, carrying the dream of specializing and contributing to the development of my country in the Global South, this news has profoundly affected me. Not only because of what it means for my own aspirations, but also for all of us who believe in the importance of fostering nations’ growth and in the commitment of the professionals behind this institute.
Stop the collapse of the IOB! When we read the news about the Flemish government canceling its funding for the IOB, the tendency is to believe it’s false! Upon rereading, nothing changes, but we still refuse to believe it. Why? Because the work of the IOB is truly impeccable. For example, for DR Congo and like some other countries in the African Great Lakes region, the Flemish government, through the IOB as an actor firmly rooted in local realities, has supported the adequate training of many teachers (at master’s and doctoral levels) and whose activities in Congolese universities and even in certain development organizations have since helped raise the level of research, teaching, and management. Let those who can assist to reconsider this decision (parliamentarians, politicians) do so! The IOB is not the kind of child to throw out with the water of budget cuts.
As a proud graduate of IOB, I can honestly say the institute played a huge role in shaping both my career and worldview. It’s heartbreaking to see its future put at risk like this. IOB isn’t just an academic institute; it’s a vibrant, global community that empowers professionals from all over the world to make real impact. I’ve seen firsthand how it transforms lives. I truly hope the Flemish government reconsiders this decision. The value IOB brings to the global development space is far too important to lose.
It saddens me deeply to see that the Flemish government is undermining such a key institution for global development. When considering its contribution to its current students and alumni, bringing together scholars and practitioners from across the world and to this add the excellent work done by the researchers linked to the IOB, the decision cannot be viewed as anything other than severely misguided and shortsighted. Furthermore, to cut funding on such short notice is irresponsible for all the students and staff who have invested their time, effort and talents in the IOB.
We hope that the government will see reason and come to the table in good faith to develop a more just and sustainable plan for the IOB.
Governments should only take decisions that are well thought through, and that create the least negative impact for those involved – it seems that this decision did not follow that criteria. How does the Flemish Government expect the IOB community to deal with such a rash decision in 3 months? Many students have made multi-year commitments in both time and personal funds to undertake Masters and Phd programmes at IOB – will the Flemish Government give them refunds for all of this? I hope that the Antwerp community will get involved in this decision as IOB students bring diversity, revenues and international cooperation to Antwerp.
We are more than numbers in a budget or lines in an agreement. Behind every student, researcher, and program at IOB are stories of hope, growth, and transformation that go far beyond the classroom.
International cooperation isn’t charity: it’s a two-way street. Flanders gains through innovation, stronger global partnerships, and a reputation for excellence that attracts talent and opportunities.
Every euro invested in institutions like IOB creates a ripple effect: knowledge shared, communities strengthened, and bridges built between Flanders and the world.
We are not expense, we are investment!
As a graduate of IOB in 2013 from Ethiopia, it’s heartbreaking to see its future put at risk like this. IOB isn’t just an academic institute; it’s a vibrant, global community that empowers professionals from all over the world to make real impact particularly to third world countries. I truly hope the Flemish government reconsiders this decision and continue the funding. The value IOB brings to the global development space is far too important to lose at this critical time of our globe circumstances.
I am deeply saddened by this announcement. The IOB is currently a cornerstone of high-quality and globally engaged education and research. For students from the South, like myself, IOB has opened doors that would otherwise remain closed, providing not only academic excellence but also an inclusive and truly international learning community.
Cutting its funding would not only jeopardize the future of its students and staff, but also diminish the global visibility, influence, and credibility of Flanders and Belgium in development policy and academic cooperation. I stand in support of IOB, and as part of the alumni network, I urge decision-makers to reconsider this short-sighted move.
#SaveIOB #IOBcommunity #DevelopmentPolicy
Je pense que la situation de l’Institut des politiques de développement (IOB) est préoccupante. La décision du gouvernement flamand de mettre fin au financement de base de l’institut pourrait avoir des conséquences dévastatrices pour les étudiants, le personnel et les partenaires internationaux.
*Solutions possibles :*
– *Révision de la décision* : le gouvernement flamand pourrait reconsidérer sa décision et maintenir le financement de base de l’IOB, compte tenu de son impact positif sur le développement international et la réputation de la Flandre.
– *Dialogue et négociation* : les parties prenantes, y compris les étudiants, le personnel et les partenaires internationaux, pourraient engager un dialogue avec le gouvernement flamand pour trouver une solution qui minimise les impacts négatifs.
– *Recherche de financements alternatifs* : l’IOB pourrait explorer des sources de financement alternatives, telles que des partenariats avec d’autres organisations ou des fondations, pour compenser la perte de financement gouvernemental.
*Arguments en faveur de l’IOB :*
– *Impact positif* : l’IOB a un impact significatif sur le développement international, notamment grâce à ses programmes de formation et de recherche.
– *Réputation internationale* : l’IOB jouit d’une réputation internationale solide en tant qu’institut de développement, ce qui contribue à la visibilité et à l’influence de la Flandre sur la scène mondiale.
– *Valeur ajoutée* : l’IOB apporte une valeur ajoutée significative à la communauté internationale, notamment en termes de formation et de recherche sur les questions de développement.
As an Alumnus and staff of IOB, I am saddened by this bad news. I am shocked that the Flemish government took this decision. I thought the Flemish government knows very well the impact of IOB in Belgium, the global south and around the world. The great impact of IOB is out there for everybody to see. I pray that the Flemish government reconsiders this unfortunate decision and supports IOB to continue doing its great work of impacting humanity. This is the wise decision to make. Long Live IOB!
As a student at the University of Antwerp, currently enrolled in the Debating Development course, I am deeply concerned about how this academic year can continue under the current circumstances, with only three months of funding left.
This course is one I had long looked forward to, not only for its unique content but also because of the inspiring and highly educational experiences I have heard from former participants. The opportunity to follow it is invaluable, and it deserves to be continued.
I sincerely hope that my fellow students and I will still be able to benefit from the high-quality education that IOB has consistently provided and that the funding necessary to safeguard this will not be discontinued.
#SaveIOB
!As a IOB alumni we should bring our support and stand with the IOB team to avoid what i would call « the Academic disaster of the century in Belgium ! »
If need be, let’s think to organize a petition or sitting, demonstration march or whatever to dissuade the Flemish government from implemetaing this curious and incomprehensible decision to cut the core funding which means eradicating this prestigious Institut !!
As both a proud IOB graduate and a recent scholar in residence, I am deeply shocked and saddened by this announcement. My time at IOB was transformative: it provided rigorous academic training, an inclusive global community, and meaningful opportunities for collaboration across North and South. More recently, returning as a scholar reminded me once again of IOB’s extraordinary commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and partnership.
The institute’s work extends far beyond the classroom: it equips professionals from across the world to design and implement solutions that matter, while also strengthening Flanders’ reputation as a hub of globally engaged scholarship. To threaten its core funding on such short notice is not only disruptive to students and staff but also undermines decades of bridge-building between Flanders and the Global South.
I stand in full solidarity with the IOB community and strongly urge the Flemish government to reconsider this short-sighted decision. The value that IOB brings to Belgium, to its partners, and to the wider world cannot be overstated.
Dr. Wikus Kruger – Director, Power Futures Lab, University of Cape Town
#SaveIOB
Cutting IOB’s core funding endangers students, staff, and critical global programmes. #saveIOB
What bad news! I was lucky enough to benefit from a training program with the IOB which impressed me as much by its quality, its relevance as by its requirement… I am deeply saddened by this news and I hope that the decision-makers will be sensitive to our support for the Institute and its teams 💪🏽
Completely inacceptable. It clearly frames in the bigger picture of decreasing development cooperation in general. Are there any protests planned?
Cutting IOB’s core funding is a step backward—endangering staff, students, and vital global programmes. The world needs more research and education, not less. Protect learning, protect opportunities, and keep IOB alive for sustainable development. #saveIOB
I am outraged and deeply disappointed by the Flemish government’s decision to shut down the Institute of Development Policy (IOB) at the University of Antwerp. This is not only a blow to the university, but also to everyone who believes in international cooperation, justice, and academic freedom.
With one stroke of the pen, decades of expertise, research, and education – bringing together students from both the Global South and the North – are being dismantled. Flanders is not just losing an academic institute, but also its credibility as a partner in global development.
This decision is short-sighted, unfair, and disrespectful to the students, researchers, and international partners who rely on IOB. I protest against this move and urge the Flemish government to immediately reconsider. Flanders needs more knowledge, solidarity, and international engagement – not less!
I’ve been a guest teacher in a lot of international programs & summer schools the past 5 years. The funding of the for all Flemish universities is realy what changes peoples lives in the Global South. I’ve seen people grow from PhD graduates & sholarships, to Head of Depatments.
Not funding these departments would be a big mistake & a big loss of talents. It would be like gambling with the wellbeing of our planet in the future. 🥺
As a colleague and former IOB staff member, I am completely shocked by this decision. It is disheartening to see such a vital institution – which has consistently demonstrated excellence and impact – suddenly face such uncertainty. This decision jeopardises the support to crucial Belgian expertise in scientific fields that are globally significant, particularly in development studies and regional knowledge of Central Africa. The IOB has nurtured generations of students and built bridges between the Global South and North, strengthening Belgium’s international reputation. I sincerely hope this short-sighted measure will be reconsidered in favour of continuity and academic responsibility.
As far as I am concerned, IOB is the biggest bridge between Belgium and Global South. It had made so many agents of change who can think independently, critically evaluate theories, research and policies, and try to empower their people. Cutting IOB is cutting one of the bridges towards a fairer world.
#SaveIOB
This constitutes a significant reputational setback for Flanders, eroding its image as a hub of academic excellence and active global participation.
Zomaar een dak, the pastoral service of the University of Antwerp, stands in solidarity with our colleagues at IOB.
This sudden decision risks dismantling a community that has built bridges of knowledge, justice, and hope between North and South for decades.
We hope that wisdom and care will prevail, and that the Flemish government will reconsider in order to safeguard what truly matters: a shared commitment to global responsibility. #saveIOB
Cutting IOB’s core funding in this fashion only signifies an assumed blatant, shortsighted attack on academic freedom and evidence-based policy. I stand with the Institute of Development Policy and its staff. Invest in knowledge, not ignorance. Reverse this decision. #saveIOB
It is with profound sadness and shock that I received the news of the Flanders Government’s decision to cut funding for IOB’s programs. As a student admitted for the 2025–2026 academic year, I feel completely broken by such a sudden and painful decision. For many of us from the Global South, IOB is more than just an academic institution—it is a beacon of hope, a place where our dreams of becoming agents of change for our communities come alive.
With this decision, those dreams risk being crushed before they even begin. It is not only our futures that are at stake, but also the future of countless organizations and communities across the Global South that rely on IOB-trained experts to bring fresh knowledge, new perspectives, and sustainable change. What will become of them when the pipeline of hope is cut off?
So many aspirations, so many sacrifices, so many lives are about to be shattered. That is why, with the deepest humility, we beg the Flemish Government to reconsider this decision. Please take into account the immeasurable impact IOB has had over decades—an impact still being felt today, and one that could continue to transform lives for generations if given the chance.
I am deeply saddened by this decision. IOB has played an invaluable role in building bridges between Flanders and the wider world, not only through its high-quality research but also through its unique Master programmes. These programmes give students access to world-class education, fostering international dialogue, critical thinking and long-lasting partnerships. Losing this would not only be a huge blow to staff and students, but also to the international reputation and influence of Flanders as a centre of academic excellence.
As an alumna of the Institute of Development Policy (IOB), I am shocked and disheartened to learn of the Flemish government’s decision not to renew its management agreement with the institute. IOB has played a defining role in my academic and professional journey. I believe this is true for most IOB alumni, including those I personally know. IOB’s commitment to academic excellence, critical thinking, and global engagement, especially with partners in the Global South, has shaped generations of scholars and practitioners who now serve in key roles around the world. It is not just a center of research and teaching; it is a space of intellectual exchange, mutual learning, and meaningful collaboration across borders. As both a graduate and partner of IOB, I can attest to its impact on individuals, institutions, and broader development practice. Moreover, I believe that this sudden decision will threaten the livelihoods of 32 dedicated staff members, will disrupt the academic journey of diverse international student body and will pose risks to Flanders’ international reputation as a forward-looking and engaged region in global development. I hope that the Flemish government will reconsider its decision and uphold its responsibility to sustain one of its most internationally respected academic institutions.
#saveIOB #developmentpolicy #developmentpolicy #iobcommunity