Gert-Jan Segers
“All that injustice needs to win, is good people doing nothing.”
Gert-Jan Segers is a former member of Parliament, an advisor to NGOs and an author. Above all, he is a driven idealist who chose not to stand on the sidelines, but to move against injustice.
Gert-Jan Segers grows up as the son of a pastor in Leeuwarden. Although faith is an important breeding ground for his development and further life, at that time he feels like an outsider in the Reformed congregation – in a positive sense.
“It encouraged me early on in life to seek connection with dissenters.”
Gert-Jan studies Political Science in Leiden, works for a time as a journalist with the EO for Radio 1 and then leaves as a missionary to Egypt, where he works and lives with his family for many years. His third daughter is born in Cairo.
After this period, Gert-Jan obtains his Master’s degree in International Relations at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, specializing in Western-Islamic relations and the Middle East. After this, he starts as director of the Scientific Institute of the Christian Union. In 2012 he is on the party’s candidate list for the first time and becomes a Member of Parliament that same year.
The choice of his movement toward politics can be well summarized in a statement by Dietrich Bonhoeffer – a German church leader and resistance fighter against Nazism – which inspired Gert-Jan and whose statement he takes to heart to this day.
“Freedom does not lie in elevated thoughts, but only in resolutely doing the right thing.”
In retrospect, it is perhaps this motto that made Gert-Jan feel like an “the odd one out” even in his youth. Preaching or reporting as a journalist felt like standing on the sidelines, whereas he wanted to make a difference in the middle of society. Not inhibited by the invisible, social boundaries that others believe exist.
A 10-year political career followed, characterized by his talent and drive to connect dissenters to the same mission – to eliminate injustice in any form. For example, he co-shaped the current climate policy and championed humane labor migration and the return of the student basic grant. He frequently acted as a connector within the House of Representatives.
“We need to fight injustice and exploitation and give a helping hand to people who have taken a wrong turn somewhere. Students as well as organizations and entrepreneurs can play a big role in this. I like to show how.”
In 2023, Gert-Jan announced his departure from politics and continued his mission as a consultant for various NGOs and companies working from a social perspective. For example, he works for International Justice Mission – an organization that aims to eliminate contemporary slavery and child abuse worldwide. He advises the Salvation Army and an organization with issues around sustainable, humane labor migration and opportunities for status holders. He also supports various initiatives within the energy transition.
Gert-Jan Segers has written several books, including his most recent, “Power and powerlessness: politician in a divided country. This is also one of his keynotes as a professional speaker.
Gert-Jan Segers is a former member of Parliament, an advisor to NGOs and an author. Above all, he is a driven idealist who chose not to stand on the sidelines, but to move against injustice. Gert-Jan Segers grows up as the son of a pastor in Leeuwarden. Although faith is an important breeding ground for his development and further life, at that time he feels like View more…
“Indifference, cynicism and apathy have one thing in common; they do not move us forward.”
“Everyone has time, money, influence or privilege to make a difference. The choice is yours as to what you commit to make a difference.”
Collaboration is in our human nature
For everything Gert-Jan has undertaken in his life, a personal encounter has been the starting point. For him, every initiative against injustice began with coming face-to-face with people and allowing himself to be touched by their stories. Similarly, his political career was shaped in part by an encounter:
“I listened to the heartbreaking story of a Ghanaian woman in Leeuwarden, who had become a victim of human trafficking and ended up in forced prostitution. It broke my heart, but decided not to stop there. I spent the next 10 years advocating for people like her within politics.”
His three young daughters, now all studying, also have something to tell – stories of their generation and the opportunities taken away from them. Also a form of injustice. The reforms of the student loan system, for example, resulting in large student debts.
“This was a reason to join hands with Tim Hofman and get young people into the Catshuis so they could have their say. Ultimately, it led to bringing back the basic scholarship.”
It is a great example of how people who are seemingly at opposite ends in terms of their views can still work together toward a common goal. According to Gert-Jan, this is no exception; it is in our human nature to work together. Provided we can have real contact with each other; keep looking each other in the eye.
“Digitization and social media create opportunities, but also alienate us from each other. Many people live in online bubbles. It is a catalyst for polarization.”
As a speaker, Gert-Jan therefore encourages people to stay in conversation with each other, to bridge ethnic, religious, socio-economic and cultural gaps and have compassion for each other.And that is necessary for a better world – the alternative is indifference, cynicism.
The other extreme is to care about all the suffering in the world, but end up doing nothing. Out of helplessness, apathy. That is why Gert-Jan tells mostly the positive stories in which something extraordinary is achieved. That offers perspective; makes the unthinkable conceivable.
“I was recently in the Philippines on behalf of International Justice Mission and was told that child abuse has dropped by 80 percent in 10 years. That gives hope, but more importantly shows that doing ‘something’ always contributes.”
Gert-Jan’s message is that no one can change the whole world alone, but we can all change a little. Especially if we work together.Everyone has some time, money, influence or privilege to make a difference. The choice is yours as to what you commit to. Gert-Jan als spreker boeken?
Would you like to book Gert-Jan as a speaker for your event? Ask about the possibilities and his availability.
Why invite Gert-Jan Segers as a speaker for your event?
1. Driven
Everything Gert-Jan does, he does from passion, for something or someone that touches him personally. His drive is contagious and gives you the confidence that by ‘doing good’ you are always on the right path, even if you don’t know in advance where it will lead.
2. Doer
Gert-Jan is anything but someone who watches affably from the sidelines. His courage rarely fails him. He shows that you may not be able to save the whole world, but that you can always do something. As long as you get moving.
3. Personal
In his lectures, Gert-Jan draws on personal stories from his own life and career as well as those of the people who have crossed his path. For example, the equally heartbreaking and heartwarming story of John from Uganda. His mother died, his father drank and as a 14-year-old he took on the care of the poverty-stricken family. When eviction threatened and he protested, he was told “Justice is not for the poor. John now runs a successful law firm and stands up against injustice such as was once done to him.
4. Experienced
Gert-Jan lived and worked in Egypt for 7 years and studied in Washington DC. He was director of a scientific institute and an active member of the House of Representatives for 10 years. His work and life experience are varied and of an international nature.
5. Belief
Faith still plays a major role in Gert-Jan’s life. It is the breeding ground for his inspiration, his militancy against injustice and modern slavery. Another example of his religious commitment is his cooperation with Salvation Army social workers.
1. Driven
Everything Gert-Jan does, he does from passion, for something or someone that touches him personally. His drive is contagious and gives you the confidence that by ‘doing good’ you are always on the right path, even if you don’t know in advance where it will lead.
2. Doer
Gert-Jan is anything but someone who watches affably from the sidelines. His courage rarely fails him. He shows that you may not be able to save the whole world, but that you can always do something. As long as you get moving.
3. Personal
In his lectures, Gert-Jan draws on personal stories from his own life and career as well as those of the people who have crossed his path. For example, the equally heartbreaking and heartwarming story of John from Uganda. His mother died, his father drank and as a 14-year-old he took on the care of the poverty-stricken family. When eviction threatened and he protested, he was told “Justice is not for the poor. John now runs a successful law firm and stands up against injustice such as was once done to him.
4. Experienced
Gert-Jan lived and worked in Egypt for 7 years and studied in Washington DC. He was director of a scientific institute and an active member of the House of Representatives for 10 years. His work and life experience are varied and of an international nature.
5. Belief
Faith still plays a major role in Gert-Jan’s life. It is the breeding ground for his inspiration, his militancy against injustice and modern slavery. Another example of his religious commitment is his cooperation with Salvation Army social workers.
Keynotes
Would you like to book Gert-Jan as (keynote) speaker, panelist or sidekick for a conference, lecture or event? Below you will find a selection of keynotes.Custom program? Ask for the possibilities.
Lessons in leadership opportunities
What I learned in The Hague
Whether we speak about crises, wars or climate issues; these times call for strong leadership. Everyone is capable of good; it is up to you as a leader to show the way and connect people. Gert-Jan Segers was an active member of the Lower House for ten years, so inevitably he draws lessons about leadership from his time in The Hague. To quote one of his statements at Managementboek.nl, “Wherever egos are bigger than ideals, sooner or later things go wrong. He shares his insights in this hopeful keynote; a lecture that both holds up a mirror and offers perspective.
To be booked as a lecture.
Power and powerlessness in politics
On responsibility and compromise
In 2023, Gert-Jan Segers retired from politics; for ten years, the corridors of The Hague were his home. In the keynote Power and powerlessness in politics, Gert-Jan looks back candidly on these eventful years, politics and himself. He talks about what it is like to bring a message of connection in a changing, polarizing Netherlands. What it is like to have to make compromises based on ideology and at the same time bear responsibility. This keynote gives a “look behind the scenes” of The Hague and major social issues of contemporary Holland.
To be booked as a lecture.
Human freedom and dignity.
Fighting against modern slavery
Anyone who thinks that slavery is a phenomenon of the past will be deceived. Worldwide, many people still live in physical captivity and/or are subjected to exploitation and coercion, such as (child) abuse, human trafficking and forced prostitution. Among others, Gert-Jan Segers is fighting against this with International Justice Mission. The harrowing yet hopeful stories covered in this keynote highlight the urgency and inspire you to become a fellow fighter against modern slavery. Find out what you can do!
To be booked as a lecture or workshop.
Lessons in leadership opportunities
What I learned in The Hague
Whether we speak about crises, wars or climate issues; these times call for strong leadership. Everyone is capable of good; it is up to you as a leader to show the way and connect people. Gert-Jan Segers was an active member of the Lower House for ten years, so inevitably he draws lessons about leadership from his time in The Hague. To quote one of his statements at Managementboek.nl, “Wherever egos are bigger than ideals, sooner or later things go wrong. He shares his insights in this hopeful keynote; a lecture that both holds up a mirror and offers perspective.
To be booked as a lecture.
Power and powerlessness in politics
On responsibility and compromise
In 2023, Gert-Jan Segers retired from politics; for ten years, the corridors of The Hague were his home. In the keynote Power and powerlessness in politics, Gert-Jan looks back candidly on these eventful years, politics and himself. He talks about what it is like to bring a message of connection in a changing, polarizing Netherlands. What it is like to have to make compromises based on ideology and at the same time bear responsibility. This keynote gives a “look behind the scenes” of The Hague and major social issues of contemporary Holland.
To be booked as a lecture.
Human freedom and dignity.
Fighting against modern slavery
Anyone who thinks that slavery is a phenomenon of the past will be deceived. Worldwide, many people still live in physical captivity and/or are subjected to exploitation and coercion, such as (child) abuse, human trafficking and forced prostitution. Among others, Gert-Jan Segers is fighting against this with International Justice Mission. The harrowing yet hopeful stories covered in this keynote highlight the urgency and inspire you to become a fellow fighter against modern slavery. Find out what you can do!
To be booked as a lecture or workshop.
For good interview with: Gert-Jan Segers
Which moments from your time in The Hague have inspired you the most?
“The collaboration with people who, although they have different (life) beliefs than me, have the same conviction to do the right thing. That was very instructive and inspiring.”
For Good: What does “good” mean to you?
“That we look out for each other and take care of each other, and thus also for nature. I believe that if people find their destiny AND have freedom, they will do the right thing. But that freedom is compromised by abuse of power, exploitation and alienation from each other. We must fight that injustice together.”
How do you remain hopeful in the midst of misery you face daily?
“By feeding myself with good thoughts and surrounding myself with people of good will. I do what I can and still marvel at the impact it can have. It fills me with hope.”
Do you have an example or inspiration of your own?
“Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a young German pastor who recognized early on the evils of Nazism. He had a chance to escape the war in the United States, indeed, he had already been put to work in New York, but decided to return to Hamburg. He felt he had no right to preach to his countrymen after the war if he had not stood beside them during this dark period. From his own deep Christian convictions, he worked with people of different mindsets to do good. He ultimately paid for this with his freedom and his life, but his story is a tremendous source of inspiration to me.”
What makes you happy?
“My family; my wife Rianne and daughters who are all three in a beautiful way in life, I am very proud of that. In my work, I get very happy with collaboration; sitting around the table with a group of different people who have a shared mission – to eliminate a certain injustice from the world. That gives me energy.”
Which moments from your time in The Hague have inspired you the most?
“The collaboration with people who, although they have different (life) beliefs than me, have the same conviction to do the right thing. That was very instructive and inspiring.”
For Good: What does “good” mean to you?
“That we look out for each other and take care of each other, and thus also for nature. I believe that if people find their destiny AND have freedom, they will do the right thing. But that freedom is compromised by abuse of power, exploitation and alienation from each other. We must fight that injustice together.”
How do you remain hopeful in the midst of misery you face daily?
“By feeding myself with good thoughts and surrounding myself with people of good will. I do what I can and still marvel at the impact it can have. It fills me with hope.”
Do you have an example or inspiration of your own?
“Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a young German pastor who recognized early on the evils of Nazism. He had a chance to escape the war in the United States, indeed, he had already been put to work in New York, but decided to return to Hamburg. He felt he had no right to preach to his countrymen after the war if he had not stood beside them during this dark period. From his own deep Christian convictions, he worked with people of different mindsets to do good. He ultimately paid for this with his freedom and his life, but his story is a tremendous source of inspiration to me.”
What makes you happy?
“My family; my wife Rianne and daughters who are all three in a beautiful way in life, I am very proud of that. In my work, I get very happy with collaboration; sitting around the table with a group of different people who have a shared mission – to eliminate a certain injustice from the world. That gives me energy.”
