As the world edges toward a population of 9 billion, the question of how we feed ourselves sustainably is no longer hypothetical, it’s urgent. At Expo 2025 in Osaka, the Netherlands is spotlighting one of its strongest contributions to the global food system: horticulture. But rather than arriving with all the answers, we’re showing up with experience, openness, and a collaborative mindset.

As climate change reshapes our planet with increasing speed and intensity, the question is no longer whether we have to act, but how quickly can we do it. Rising sea levels, shifting weather patterns, and resource scarcity demand solutions that no single country can achieve alone. The Netherlands, a country built on ingenuity and resilience, knows this truth well. And so does Japan. 

Discover how Dutch innovation is shaping sustainable water management in Bangkok. A groundbreaking Dutch-Thai public-private partnership is bringing world-class water expertise to Greater Bangkok. Through the Partners for International Business programme, Dutch companies and knowledge institutions are teaming up with Thai stakeholders to tackle pressing water challenges, from flood control to Nature-based solutions and smart agriculture.

Blue Horizon Initiative tackles Mexico’s Water goals with Dutch innovations. The Blue Horizon Initiative is a bold new partnership between the Netherlands and Mexico, bringing cutting-edge Dutch water expertise to tackle Mexico’s most pressing water issues. Launched under the Partners for International Business programme, this three-year initiative brings together Dutch companies, knowledge institutions, and Mexican stakeholders to co-develop sustainable solutions that boost water access, improve infrastructure, and build resilience across urban and rural communities.

The Dutch water sector made a strong impression during Thai Water Week in Bangkok, with a vibrant presence at the Water Expo and a packed agenda of strategic engagements. The week-long programme brought together a rich sequence of high-level visits, workshops, site tours, and the dedicated Netherlands (NL) Water Session, all of which provided an impactful platform for connecting Dutch and Thai stakeholders around shared water challenges.

The Netherlands is aiming to develop a fully circular economy by 2050. An economy without waste, where everything runs on reusable raw materials. This significantly challenges the textile industry: as this industry is one of the most polluting in the world. Although somes parts of the sector are already committed to circular practices, others have not yet made the transition.

Every big change starts with a small idea. And often, that idea comes from a student. Each year, the search for The Most Innovative Student of the Netherlands shows us how much creativity and courage can be found in classrooms and labs across the country.