Word of thanks by Jan van Zanen at the presentation of the first copy of Kingstreet (the English language edition of Bij ons in de Residentie), 26 November 2024

 

Duncan Bond (general manager Kingstreet),

Annerieke Simeone (managing editor Bij ons in de Residentie),

Guests,

 

How nice to see that there is now an English edition of Bij ons in de Residentie, dear Annerieke.

Thank you very much for this first copy.

My compliments to you and your colleagues.

Kingstreet is a welcome addition to the printed media in our international city of peace and justice.

It was four and a half years ago that I, myself, started to get to know The Hague as the city in which the world is at home.

And where almost every world language is spoken.

This year we have been marking 125 years of peace and justice in The Hague: given that the first peace conference was held here in 1899.

Today, we cannot imagine what The Hague would be like without internationals.

The many international organisations, NGOs, companies and their personnel, along with their partners and families: they define the character of The Hague.

I live close to the French school.

So I often find myself surrounded by French-speaking students.

Altogether The Hague has more than one hundred thousand residents with an international background.

They add colour to The Hague.

Besides which they have an important economic footprint in our city.

The city as a whole benefits from the presence of international organisations and businesses.

I hope that Kingstreet reaches a wide audience.

Perhaps that will include some Dutch people who want to know more about the lives of their international neighbours.

As a city we do a lot to make them feel at home here, of course.

After all, hospitality should always be part of the core business of an international city.

The Hague International Centre – a help desk for all internationals, is a good example of that.

Through Volunteer The Hague we encourage internationals to get involved with voluntary work that does not require them to speak Dutch.

This creates more connection with the city and helps internationals to meet new people.

Many of you help us as a city in welcoming new arrivals and helping them to get settled in The Hague.

Thank you very much for that.

Because it is only with your help that we in The Hague can roll out the red carpet for these residents.

I wish you every success.

And remember that you can always count on us.

Thank you.