They have an important role today: to make sure presentations are kept brief and to-the-point, and to stimulate debate. Second, we are fortunate to have an impressive turnout of high-level policy makers, leading academics and financial sector representatives from various countries. Given the seating constraints, a number have to sit in the second row.
At the same time, let me stress that everyone in the second row is just as welcome to participate in the discussion as those seated at the front. Finally, please note that we’ve invited a couple of our trusted friends from the Dutch press to attend this seminar.