The speakers—each a leader in their field—offered complementary yet distinct perspectives on crisis preparedness and adaptive leadership. As a professor of public governance, Arjen Boin brought an academic lens to the discussion. He stressed that resilience is not just about bouncing back, but also about absorbing shocks and learning from them. His keynote challenged attendees to rethink traditional crisis models and embrace complexity as a strategic asset. As the Director of the National Crisis Centre (part of the NCTV), Don O’Floin’s keynote was a call to action. He spoke about geopolitical instability and the fact that critical infrastructure is becoming an increasingly attractive target for state actors, and he urged the sector to practice response, not just plan it. Representing the ECB, Executive Board member Piero Cipollone focused on systemic resilience in the European financial ecosystem. He underscored the need for cross-border coordination, especially in digital disruptions, and called for shared frameworks that allow institutions to respond cohesively in times of stress. His full speech is available on the ECB website: What resilience takes: strengthening the financial system in an era of heightened risk
After some very productive breakout sessions focused on reflection and forward-looking dialogue, Inge van Dijk concluded the day with a clear message: ‘Resilience is not just about bouncing back; it’s about anticipating, adapting, and advancing in the face of uncertainty.’