About Us

 

Making the World a Better Place For All of Us

Zero emissions

Join the Changemakers

Our Story

The Global Changemakers Network, headquartered in Amsterdam, is dedicated to fostering global peace and prosperity through collaborative and inclusive partnerships. As catalysts for positive change, we empower individuals with the skills needed for social well-being projects, aligning with the principles of the donut economy and Ikigai. Our efforts support communities, companies, and NGOs in adopting sustainable strategies, using proven practical and technical solutions. Together with our global partners, we leverage our network to drive meaningful, impactful, and financially viable projects for a balanced and sustainable future.

VIDEO ABOUT LOGO CMNW

What We Do

As an management coordination office we can manage your portfolio projects. Thanks to our years of experience, we work with our clients to ensure that the adjust ‘direction’ together, with the human and business cooperation can be effective.

Specific; learning to use people’s learning capacity to arrive, step by step, at a sensible approach to management for the situation in question. Professionally coordinate ‘expectations management’ and ‘good clientship’.

This principle makes it possible to better implement important components in a business relationship. With the right feeling about the project ingredients, an ultimate effect is created, in which proactive management is paramount.

If parties understand how each other’s tasks and responsibilities relate to each other, this will contribute to making the processes in which a management party is deployed more effective.

Specific; that clients experience that their interests are well represented by the management agency and that suppliers experience that it is effective to have a management agency as a point of contact who can make the correct (f.e. technical/financial) translation to the actual client. Being open to this means room for quality and effectiveness overall.

Our Founders

Ing. Richard Ruijtenbeek

Ing. Richard Ruijtenbeek

Director

Profile Description of Richard Ruijtenbeek

Richard is an accomplished engineer with a robust background in civil, building, project development and agricultural and forest engineering, sustainable project development, and energy,- en circulair transition.

Click here to learn more

With a Bachelor of the Built Environment from the University HAN,- and city planner en development. Next to extensive coursework in sustainable practices and project management, Richard has successfully transitioned abstract concepts into concrete plans and implementations. His work spans governmental and private sectors, making significant strides in innovative, earth-friendly construction methodologies and energy projects. More About Richard Half century old, born in South Holland, Richard has dedicated his career to driving sustainable and innovative solutions across various engineering disciplines. His keen understanding of administrative and political landscapes has enabled him to navigate complex projects with a pragmatic approach, ensuring the delivery of high-impact results. Over the years, Richard has specialized in creating (sustainable) business models with a return on investment (ROI) within ten years, reflecting his strategic foresight and commitment to economic viability alongside environmental sustainability for developers and big city governments. Richard’s journey in sustainable engineering began with a solid educational foundation in forestry, nature management, and civil engineering from Velp. This was followed by an illustrious career where he has held significant roles, including Project Manager for the City of Amsterdam, where he developed sustainable housing projects in a “blue zone,” integrating circular economy principles and smart city technologies. As an Energy Advisor for Amsterdam Zuidoost, he strategized and implemented heat plans, incorporating geothermal energy and hydrogen projects to advance the region’s energy transition goals. And finished an extra study for city planner and developer. His accolades include being nominated for the Royal Prins Friso Award by the Royal Engineering Society in 2015 and being recognized among the top 100 best-performing Dutch officials in the Energy and Sustainability category in 2011. Richard was also shortlisted among the 50 Game Changers by MT magazine in 2015, highlighting his innovative contributions to the engineering field. As the owner of Ruijtenbeek Advice BV, Richard provides senior consultancy in energy transition and circular development, working closely with various stakeholders to promote sustainable practices in construction and infrastructure. His role as a public speaker and trainer further amplifies his impact, educating the next generation of engineers and policymakers on the importance of sustainable development. Richard’s involvement extends to various notable projects, such as the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment’s Innova58 feasibility study and advising on sustainable urban development projects in Rotterdam, Utrecht, Amsterdam and Dordrecht. He has also played a pivotal role in the Changemakers Network BV, advocating for global peace and prosperity through inclusive partnerships and systemic change. “Innovation is not just about new ideas; it’s about turning those ideas into sustainable, real-world solutions.” Richard’s career exemplifies the integration of technical expertise, sustainable innovation, and strategic vision. His work continues to inspire and lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future with a smile.

 

Ing. Rob de Bruijn

Ing. Rob de Bruijn

Adviser

Profile Description of Mr. Rob de Bruijn

Rob de Bruijn, is a seasoned engineer and visionary leader with over forty-five years of experience in infrastructure and development projects across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Known for his keen eye for detail and innovative problem-solving skills,

Click here to learn more

Rob has played a crucial role in numerous high-profile projects, providing essential insights and solutions. As the founder of Somnium Nostri BV, he became a shareholder of Changemakers Network BV in Amsterdam in 2023 to ensure the continuity of his ideas and expand his network. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to promoting technical expertise and sustainable development, empowering young professionals to become changemakers in their communities under the leadership of the management team, including Roel, Richard, and Antal. Rob is far from ready to retire; he finds immense joy in initiating and guiding projects, often saying, “Use it or lose it.” More About Rob In 1991, Rob’s journey took an unexpected turn when he visited Leyte, Philippines, with his family. A chance encounter with an ongoing bridge construction project revealed significant errors in the formwork. Driven by curiosity and a passion for engineering excellence, Rob identified these shortcomings and, after consulting with the project’s engineers, proposed effective solutions. His suggestions were implemented, underscoring his commitment to quality and collaboration, earning him respect and recognition. Rob’s impact extended to Cape Town in 1994, where he collaborated with his Belgian colleague Dirk Durnez to optimize the construction plans for Century City. His ability to devise cost-effective and superior solutions led to a four-year advisory role at Lumeka Pty LTD, in partnership with Dahcon, the engineering firm of his friend and colleague Dawid Hurter. During his extensive stay in Africa, Rob frequently observed a gap in practical technical experience among young engineers, along with poorly crafted business plans that hindered their access to financing. This realization prompted the establishment of Somnium Nostri BV in 2008. Through this initiative, Rob and his network of like-minded professionals dedicated themselves to providing guidance and support to engineers in Africa and Asia, helping them realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities’ development and economic growth. Rob’s unwavering commitment and energy to make a difference are embodied in the further activation of Changemakers Network BV, alongside colleagues Roel, Richard, Antal, Wolter, Dawid, and Marthijn. This platform brings together engineers, architects, lawyers, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, investors, and financial experts, all united by a common goal: creating positive change. Changemakers Network BV emphasizes the importance of long-term vision, sustainable planning, and inclusive development, offering scholarships to young women to pursue higher education and become the changemakers of tomorrow. “True change is driven by those who dare to see the shortcomings and dare to create better solutions.” Rob de Bruijn’s legacy is one of innovation, mentorship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His work with the team continues to inspire and empower the next generation of engineers and leaders, proving that with dedication and vision, meaningful change is not only possible but inevitable. His mottos are: “Measurement is knowledge”, “Straight is straight and crooked is crooked”, and “Sharing Knowledge is Happiness”.
Ing. Antal de Buijn

Ing. Antal de Buijn

Director

 

 

Ir. Roel de Jong

Ir. Roel de Jong

Director

Meaning of Our Logo

The logo of the Global Changemakers Network embodies our core values and mission to improve the lives of people worldwide. It symbolizes the power of connection, collaboration, growth, and impact in the context of creating a better world.

Our Partners & Sponsors

Caribisch Netwerk

E.F.T.

Skills2Max

SN Regie

Sysnesia

N.J.C.

ESC Indonesia

RRR Advice

Get In Touch