It should have been celebration, marked by optimism about the future of the Netherlands' multicultural society. But instead, there was a cloud hanging over the presentation of this year's annual Inspiration for Integration prize. By RNW political editor John Tyler

At a formal ceremony in The Hague, Princess Maxima announced the winner before a hall filled with politicians, entertainers and people from the business community. European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes was the keynote speaker.
 
Lack of support
The Inspiration for Integration prize is meant to promote the deeper integration of people from minority backgrounds into Dutch society, but after four years, the organiser of the award has decided to abandon ship. Yesim Candan is frustrated by a lack of crucial support from the business community. Of the 50 large companies Ms Candan approached this year, only one agreed to participate in the competition. Ms Candan, a Dutchwoman of Turkish background, admits that integration presents challenges.
 
"Diversity is tough, it's a tough subject, because you have to literally and figuratively expand your horizons. Diversity brings change, and change isn't always nice."
 
The Deputy Minister for Employment, Ahmed Aboutaleb, agrees with her, but says companies should seek out change in their own interest. Mr Aboutaleb opened the ceremony at the Hall of Knights in The Hague.
 
"It troubles me that I still hear companies which say 'that applicant doesn't fit in with my team.' That's the worst mistake you can make. Precisely because that person doesn't fit in your team, you should hire them... the people who think differently, who can stir things up, that's who you need to have."
 
Like many others at the ceremony, Mr Aboutaleb regrets that this is the last time an Inspiration for Integration prize will be awarded. The competition invites candidates of any background to propose projects aimed at furthering the integration of minorities. Seven finalists were chosen to carry out their projects, which this year ranged from helping women from an immigrant background advance their careers in the media, to the winner's efforts to help people in The Hague feel more at home through poetry.
 
Economic necessity
The business community's lack of interest in supporting the competition is seen as shortsighted. Harry Mens, the closest person this country has to Donald Trump, says it will soon be an economic necessity to hire people from immigrant backgrounds. He is surprised that companies aren't jumping at the chance to work with such exemplary candidates as the seven finalists in the competition. But at the same time, Mr Mens is confident that with or without such a competition, diversity will increase.
 
Princess Maxima, wife of the Dutch crown prince and herself an immigrant to this country, announced the winner, Dounia al-Baraka.
 
A Dutch Obama
Even though she may be the final winner of the Inspiration for Integration prize, Ms al-Baraka prefers to look on the bright side.
 
"I think we're heading in the right direction, and that everyone should stay hopeful. Sure, things don't always go like you hope they will. But some things you just can't rush. With hope and imagination, we can take on the world."
 
Ms al-Baraka says she's inspired by US presidential candidate Barak Obama. Asked whether she might become the 'Barak Obama of the Netherlands', Ms Baraka laughed and said she's already halfway there, given the similarity in their names.

20 May 2008 

[Copyright Radio Netherlands 2008]