On 5 November, we were delighted to host Richard de Mos, Alderman for Economy and International Affairs at The Hague Humanity Hub and help him to get acquainted with the ecosystem for peace and justice. This ecosystem extends far beyond the courts, the tribunals and the more than 200 international organisations based here. Around them sits a wider community of more than 1,500 organisations, working across sectors, themes and disciplines. Alderman De Mos was welcomed by Jill Wilkinson, Managing Director of the Hub, and Joke Brandt, Chair of the Supervisory Board and former Dutch Permanent Representative to the UN.
The conversation focused on the Hub’s role as an ecosystem platform. The Hub supports and strengthens the peace and justice ecosystem through networking, knowledge exchange and dialogue around shared themes such as climate justice, democracy and the rule of law, talent, social entrepreneurship, cybersecurity and mental health in mission driven work. Public programmes such as the Just Peace Festival, the Just Peace Open Day, Democracy Drinks and the Fireside Peace Chats open that work to the wider city. As an ecosystem platform, the Hub contributes to The Hague’s attractiveness as a place where international organisations choose to settle.
Alderman de Mos also met with Hub member organizations. Alexander Gunkel from Space4Good shared how it uses satellite and geospatial data for social and environmental impact. Sarah Telford and the team of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) spoke about its work supporting humanitarian response. Alex Haas, founder of Haagse Helpers, introduced its volunteering work closer to home, supporting people across The Hague. And Simon Tiller, head of HALO Trust Europe, which clears landmines and other explosive remnants of war so that communities in conflict-affected regions can live and work safely again.
“The work of this community matters to The Hague. It was a pleasure to share what the community and the Hub do with our new Alderman, Richard de Mos. His curiosity and enthusiasm brought real energy to the visit and made it a very positive experience for us.” Jill Wilkinson, Managing Director, Humanity Hub.
The Humanity Hub thanks Alderman de Mos and the municipality for their interest and continued partnership in strengthening The Hague as the international city of peace and justice.