Good afternoon, esteemed guests, visionary founders, and champions of inclusivity,

My name is Ruben Brave, and I’m the founder of Dutch New Narrative Lab (DNNL).

Before we begin, I want to say some words of gratitude. A special thanks to Rabobank Rotterdam, our host, Accenture, Amazon, and the DNB Cultuurfonds for their generous support. Your commitment to fostering diversity and innovation has been instrumental in making this event a reality. I also want to thank our valued partners—the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship, the Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam, and Tech Netherlands Advocates—for their collaboration in advancing our shared mission. Together, you have laid the groundwork for this transformative gathering.

I must also extend my deepest gratitude to the speakers, discussion leads, performers and volunteers! Especially the unConference core team, Anahí Páez and Maud van Merrienboer, whose tireless efforts, creativity, and dedication have so brilliantly brought us together.

Today, we assemble under the banner of transformation, inspired by the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As I stand before you, I feel humbled by the collective potential in this room. Together, we represent a force for change, embodying the power of diversity to fuel innovation and prosperity.

Let’s take a moment to honour Dr King's vision—a dream of equality, economic justice, and freedom. Dr King said, “We must recognise that we can’t solve our problem now until there is a radical redistribution of economic and political power.” His revolutionary call to action resonates deeply with our DNNL mission. It was eye-opening for me to realise his belief that social equality flows from economic equality, not vice versa.

Dr. King was truly remarkable—not only because of his unwavering commitment to justice but also his profound wisdom and foresight. At just 39 years old, he had already changed the course of history, showing courage and clarity beyond his years. He challenged entrenched systems, united diverse communities, and redefined what leadership could achieve, all while carrying the immense burden of his mission -especially in his time. His ability to articulate a vision of justice that resonates across generations remains unparalleled, inspiring us to rise to the challenge.

Our journey started in Amsterdam, rooted in the idea that diversity is not just a moral imperative but an economic superpower. Today, in Rotterdam—a city rebuilt from resilience—we are here to transform dreams into action. And action into systemic change.

Dr. King was ahead of his time, advocating for supplier diversity long before it became a cornerstone of economic empowerment. Supplier diversity refers to intentionally including underrepresented businesses in supply chains, driving equity and innovation by creating opportunities for historically excluded people. Today, we see the fruits of this vision: in 2021, minority-owned businesses in the United States generated over $261 billion in revenue, supporting 1.75 million jobs.

The Netherlands, too, demonstrates the potential of underrepresented entrepreneurs. Minority businesses here contribute an estimated €88 billion annually—nearly 10% of the nation’s GDP. Yet, we still face significant challenges, including limited access to capital and underrepresentation in supply chains. Female entrepreneurs, despite being underrepresented, outperform their male counterparts in revenue growth and business sustainability when adequately supported. These numbers are a clear call to action for all of us to address these barriers and unlock even greater economic potential.

Dr. King, if you are watching from the cosmos as a concerned guardian, we speak to you now:

We promise that your dream will not fade into the pages of history.

Instead, we will carry it forward. With purpose and resolve.

And we will build upon your foundation. Through entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration. Forging a future rooted in economic justice and opportunity for all.

So our theme of transformation challenges us to go beyond inspiration and into action. Each one of us here has a role to play. As entrepreneurs, we are the DJs of economic innovation. Remixing capital, creativity, and community. To orchestrate progress. Let’s use this power wisely to uplift ourselves and the communities we serve.

So, as we embark on today’s journey, let’s remember that we are not dreamers; we are dream-shapers. We are not bystanders; we are builders of a future where every thread, every fibre, in society's tapestry is valued.

We are the FutureShapers.

Let’s make Dr. King’s dream not just a memory but an entrepreneurial movement that continues growing here and now.

Thank you for being part of this transformative moment.