“The appreciation for the humanities is a benchmark for democracy and freedom,” states Professor Asghar Seyed-Gohrab in an interview with Dutch newspaper Trouw. He expresses concern about budget cuts to humanities disciplines, emphasizing the vital role of humanity faculties in fostering intercultural understanding and human connection. The humanities, he argues, are the foundation of critical thinking and open dialogue — both essential pillars of a truly free and democratic society. Read the full article (in Dutch) here.