Speech by Jan van Zanen at the international network meeting of the police, 18 October 2024

Excellencies,

Dear all,

How nice to see you all here together.

We have The Hague police and Karin Krukkert to thank for this great initiative.

I think it is excellent that this meeting is taking place.

In an international city like The Hague there has to be close contact between the embassies, international organisations and the police.

The police fulfils an important role in creating a safe environment for all The Hague’s residents, at home, outside and at work.

That includes diplomats and those working in international organisations.

All the embassies and international organisations must be sure and secure enough to be able to do their work in peace.

Therefore it is essential to know each other and meet from time to time.

Like today.

This year The Hague marks 125 years of working for peace and justice.

It started, as you probably know, with the First Peace Conference in 1899.

The Peace Palace, nearby, reminds us daily of The Hague’s special position.

‘Peace and Justice’ is our motto.

But we should also add security to that.

The use of new technologies plays a key role in security.

This is why the City of The Hague and the police work together closely in the SHIELD innovation hub.

The Hague Security Delta is also involved.

In a dwevewloping city like The Hague, security and safety in the built environment are among the main challenges.

What makes this venture so unique is that it is also appealing elsewhere, beyond The Hague.

Not least because we share with other cities the knowledge and experience we have jointly gained here.

Exchanging knowledge and experience is precisely what this afternoon will be all about.

As well as making new contacts, of course.

I wish you all a most interesting and inspiring meeting.