For many people in the Netherlands, ‘The Hague’ is synonymous with government, politics and parliament. This is hardly surprising. After all, our city has been the seat of government in the Netherlands since the sixteenth century. And The Hague has also been a royal residence for many centuries.

During recent decades, The Hague has developed into a home for many illustrious international organisations and multinational companies. International City of Peace and Justice. It is a proud title, and justly worn. The Hague is the world’s second UN city, and as such, it vibrates to a characteristic international rhythm. Our city is home to no less than 131 international institutes and agencies, employing 14.000 people. The Hague stands for hope in places as diverse as Sarajevo, Nairobi and Kabul. Hope for millions of people, hope that the crimes inflicted on them will not remain unpunished. Hope for a peaceful future.

But there is more. The Hague’s international orientation makes it an attractive location for all manner of businesses and other organisations. As proof of this The Hague area currently hosts more than 300 international businesses. The likes of Shell, Siemens and Nationale Nederlanden have even chosen The Hague for their headquarters. Tens of thousands of people from all over the world have moved to The Hague, to live and work in a uniquely international entourage.

The Hague is also a city that provides a unique sense of space, due to its numerous large parks. And on one side our city borders on Europe’s largest area of natural diversity: the North Sea. The Hague is a city of youth, too. Culture and creativity abound in a vibrant, bubbling melting pot of influences. Thousands of young people study here. And The Hague has always excelled in the fields of graphic design, modern dance and music.

The Hague is honoured to be hosting the 15th International Metropolis Conference. The Hague is a meeting place of different cultures and has become more and more diverse over the years. We see this diversity as a strength but we have to put a framework in place that can enable the shared sense of belonging, civic pride, urban identity and citizenship.

We all want a clean, beautiful and safe city. Our city stimulates its citizens to take responsibility for the quality of community life in our city. A citizen is not only an inhabitant but also an active participant in the life of our city. Together we are one city.

In this context I like to welcome you as visitors to the International Metropolis Conference. I hope that not only the main programme itself will inspire you but also the examples given in the side programme. A programme aimed at informing you about the enrichment of diversity and the lessons our city has learned in the last few years during the implementation of our citizenship policy.

Jozias van Aartsen,
Mayor of The Hague