PHILIPSBURG:--- Last Friday, the Foresee Foundation successfully launched its first workshop of 2026 in collaboration with the Sint Maarten Sports Federation (SMSF) and
Stichting Expertise Centrum Ervaringsgericht Onderwijs (EGO). The workshop brought together professionals from sport, education and policy to explore how sport and physical activity
On St. Maarten, this can be strengthened in a sustainable and inclusive way.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Maaike Heerschop, researcher at the Mulier Instituut, who is responsible for the analysis of the Child Monitor. This large-scale health survey was recently
conducted across almost all primary schools on St. Maarten. During her presentation, Heerschop shared key insights into children’s lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity, sleep, and nutrition, and
connected these findings to sport participation and talent development.
Broad representation from the sports field
Participants included physical education teachers, coaches, trainers and sports administrators.
This broad mix of professionals led to rich discussions and meaningful exchanges between research, daily practice and policy perspectives.
Broad-based sport versus elite sport
A central theme of the workshop was the balance between a broad-based sport approach and a more selective elite sport focus. Participants emphasized the importance of creating a sports
environment that enables as many children as possible to participate in sport and physical activity, rather than concentrating primarily on a small group of young athletes with potential elite careers.
Drawing on international research, Heerschop highlighted that talent development is a long-term and non-linear process, strongly influenced by a child’s environment.
Factors such as daily movement, adequate sleep, healthy nutrition, school demands, and social safety play a decisive role. “Health and well-being are not side issues, but essential conditions for sustainable sport development,” was one of the key messages.
Call for joint follow-up actions
The workshop concluded with a joint reflection on concrete next steps for St. Maarten.
Participants discussed which improvements to the local sport and movement environment are realistic and achievable,
emphasizing the importance of collaboration between schools, sports organizations and policymakers.
The organizing partners look back on a successful start and see this workshop as a strong foundation for continued knowledge sharing and cooperation throughout 2026.

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The Hague, January 26, 2026 - On Wednesday, January 28, 2 p.m., the District Court of The Hague will rule on the Bonaire Climate Case, which was brought against the Dutch State by eight residents of the Dutch-Caribbean island Bonaire, together with Greenpeace Netherlands. The court will judge whether the Netherlands is doing enough to protect its own citizens from the effects of the climate crisis. Bonaire is struggling with extreme heat due to climate change, but the Dutch government is failing to take protective measures. The plaintiffs and Greenpeace are demanding a concrete and feasible plan of action to protect Bonaire and urge the government to urgently take more measures to reduce Dutch carbon emissions to zero. “It would be a victory of historic significance, should the court ruling force the State to take concrete measures to protect people from extreme weather and other consequences of the climate crisis,” explains Marieke Vellekoop, director of Greenpeace Netherlands.
First court case on adaptation and test case following international rulings
This is the first case in Europe in which a judge could rule that a country must develop adaptation measures to protect citizens from climate change. It is also one of the first climate cases following the European Court of Human Rights' KlimaSeniorinnen ruling and the recent Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice in The Hague. In the latter, the Court ruled that states must keep global warming to below 1.5°C and that their climate plans must show maximum ambition, taking into account historical emissions and prosperity. This means that countries like the Netherlands have an obligation to do more. This case is therefore the first major test case following the groundbreaking rulings of international courts, and could set a precedent of global relevance.
Marieke Vellekoop, director of Greenpeace Netherlands: "This climate case is crucial. First and foremost, for the people of Bonaire, but also for all of us. Residents of Bonaire are already experiencing the effects of climate change on a daily basis, yet receive less protection than people in the European Netherlands. That is unjust and unacceptable. It shouldn’t matter where you were born: everyone has the right to protection against floods, storms, and extreme heat."
Jackie Bernabela, plaintiff in the Bonaire Climate Case: "This court case offers a glimmer of hope. We, eight citizens of Bonaire, are pursuing this case with Greenpeace Netherlands in order to give leaders a wake-up call. We challenge the slow erosion of hope. Because hope is the cornerstone of action. And we need action now. Wealth will not save you when the water rises. Power will not save you when disease spreads. Only compassion, courage, and unity will."
The government prioritizes big polluters over climate and people
Dutch politicians have significantly watered down climate policy in recent years, and the (caretaker) government is failing to meet the climate target set out in the Dutch Climate Act. Instead, the cabinet is subsidizing fossil fuels and abolishing the CO2 tax for companies. During the formation of the new cabinet, no decisions have yet been made to reduce emissions. “The cabinet is shielding major polluters at the expense of the climate, people, and the future of our planet. It’s not enough to keep the climate targets in sight; we have to achieve them and accelerate them. It's high time they stop delaying and postponing. The only way to reduce emissions quickly is by implementing robust and fair measures,” explains Vellekoop. The residents of Bonaire and Greenpeace demand that the Netherlands at least comply with the Dutch Climate Act and contribute its fair share to keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees. This means reducing carbon emissions to zero as quickly as possible. This can be achieved in the Netherlands by 2040.
The Bonaire Climate Case
Research commissioned by Greenpeace Netherlands shows that the climate crisis is already affecting daily life on Bonaire. People are experiencing health issues due to the severe heat. Rising sea levels, extreme weather, and dying coral reefs pose major risks to residents. Without action, up to a fifth of the island could disappear underwater by the end of this century. That is what motivated eight residents of Bonaire and Greenpeace to take legal action together, demanding fair climate policy from the Dutch government. They are represented by lawyers from the law firms Kennedy van der Laan and Prakken d'Oliveira. The hearings took place on October 7 and 8, 2025, attended by the eight plaintiffs.

SAINT MARTIN:--- On January 17th, at Beth’s Aida Conference Room in Simpson Bay, BPW Concordia Saint-Martin launched its first Members in Motion session of the year with an inspiring interview-style conversation titled “Start the Year Strong.” The session was hosted and moderated by Luciana Yamamoto, a member of BPW Concordia Saint-Martin, who led a thoughtful and engaging exchange designed to inspire reflection, intention, and purposeful leadership.
With a warm, intentional approach, Luciana created a welcoming space for open dialogue, setting the tone for a strong, mindful start to the year.
Structured as a conversational interview rather than a traditional keynote, the session encouraged authentic exchange between the moderator, the guest, and participating members. This format allowed for meaningful interaction and deeper reflection throughout the discussion.
The guest speaker, Valérie Damaseau, shared her personal and professional journey, offering candid insights into resilience, commitment, and staying grounded while navigating leadership responsibilities. Guided by Luciana’s questions, the conversation explored themes such as starting the year with intention, redefining priorities, managing personal energy, embracing change, and remaining aligned with one’s values in professional and civic life.

Members were actively invited to participate, ask questions, and share their own experiences, reinforcing the strength of collective intelligence and peer support within the BPW network. The session highlighted the power of dialogue as a tool for growth, encouragement, and empowerment, emphasizing that starting the year strong also means creating space for reflection, adjustment, and mutual support.

This Members in Motion initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) by promoting women’s leadership, amplifying women’s voices, and fostering inclusive spaces where women are supported in developing confidence, agency, and long-term impact within their communities.

Through sessions like this, BPW Concordia Saint-Martin continues to advance its mission to empower women, strengthen leadership pathways, and contribute to sustainable and equitable development at both local and global levels.

To: Chairpersons of the Parliaments of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten
Subject: Request for Agenda Inclusion and Speaking Rights at IPKO February 2026
A coalition of youth representatives from the six Caribbean islands and the Caribbean community in the Netherlands has issued an urgent appeal to the parliamentary leaders of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. The request centers on the upcoming Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO), scheduled for February 17, 2026, in Aruba. The group seeks to address the climate crisis as a shared responsibility within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and to advocate for structural solutions that ensure the rights and safety of Caribbean residents.
Climate as a Shared Responsibility
The youth representatives emphasize the existential threat posed by the climate crisis to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. While the Netherlands benefits from robust frameworks like the Delta Act and consistent financial support for climate adaptation, the Caribbean islands lack similar guarantees. This disparity leaves Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten vulnerable, as they are unable to independently access critical international climate funds due to their constitutional status within the Kingdom.
The group highlights the upcoming court ruling on January 28, 2026, in the climate case brought by eight Bonaire residents and Greenpeace against the Dutch State. This case underscores the need for a Kingdom-wide climate adaptation plan developed in close collaboration with local communities. The youth representatives view this as a precedent for safeguarding human rights through the Kingdom’s guarantee function (Article 43 of the Charter), while respecting local autonomy and self-determination.
Local Expertise and Scientific Collaboration
The Caribbean islands are home to a wealth of talent and expertise in climate science and adaptation. Initiatives like the Feelin’ Hot Tool demonstrate the capacity for local innovation, but these efforts often remain limited to short-term projects. The youth representatives argue for a structural approach to climate adaptation, rooted in collaboration across the Kingdom. They call for the Netherlands to facilitate resources while allowing the islands to lead, in line with the principle of mutual assistance (Article 36 of the Charter).
Formal Requests
The youth representatives formally request the following:
1. Agenda Inclusion: That climate adaptation and the implications of the upcoming Bonaire climate case ruling be added as a permanent agenda item for the IPKO meeting on February 17, 2026.
2. Speaking Opportunity: That Oriana Wouters, a youth representative from Aruba, be granted 5-10 minutes to present the local perspective during the opening of this agenda item.
A Call for Kingdom-Wide Action
The youth representatives stress that the IPKO is the ideal platform to address the Kingdom’s shared climate challenges. They urge the parliamentary leaders to seize this opportunity to foster collaboration and ensure a sustainable future for all parts of the Kingdom.
Signatories:
• Oriana Wouters (Aruba)
• Terence Ching (Curaçao)
• Riddhi Samtani (Sint Maarten)
Representing Caribbean Youth within the Kingdom
Footnotes
1. At COP30, international agreements were made to significantly increase financial resources for climate adaptation. However, the constitutional status of the CAS countries within the Kingdom limits their direct access to these funds, leaving them reliant on the Dutch government’s policies.
2. See also: Misiedjan, D.J.E. (2021). "Separate but equal in the protection against climate change? The legal framework of climate justice for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands."
This appeal underscores the urgency of addressing climate justice and adaptation as a Kingdom-wide priority, ensuring that no part of the Kingdom is left behind in the fight against the climate crisis.