Ilknur Dönmez is Director of Economic Affairs and Culture (EZC) at the Municipality of Amsterdam. The EZC directorate focuses on building a sustainable and innovative region where culture, work and future prospects for the residents of Amsterdam and the wider region are central. EZC contributes to strengthening Amsterdam's economic power — with attention to local economies, the broad social development of the city and its residents, and reinforcing Amsterdam's economic position both nationally and internationally.
Ilknur holds a master's degree in Business Mathematics and Informatics from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She has extensive experience in both the private sector and at multiple levels of government — municipal, regional and national. She has been working for the Municipality of Amsterdam since June 2024.
A generalist with broad substantive knowledge and a strong passion for economic and societal challenges, Ilknur previously served as Head of Economic Affairs and Aviation Affairs at the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer and as a member of the management team of the Business Climate directorate at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.
The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area faces decisions that cannot be postponed. On energy, housing, labour markets and industrial transformation, the window for action is narrowing. What does it actually take to move faster — and what stands in the way?
This panel brings together leaders who are working on these transitions from inside the system. Not as critics, but as people responsible for making them happen. Ilknur represents the municipal perspective: what can a city directorate actually unlock, and where does it hit the limits of its mandate?
The conversation is built around the young professionals in the room — the generation that will live with the outcomes of the choices being made right now.
Tickets give you full-day access to all sessions, workshops and networking.
Merve Karaman
Erich Schuster