Launch of The Hague Climate Week, by Jan van Zanen, 11 November 2024

Good afternoon everyone,

I am delighted to launch The Hague Climate Week today, together with this group of dedicated residents, companies and policymakers.  This second edition of The Hague Climate Week coincides with many other things. We are celebrating 125 years as international city of peace and justice, National Climate Week and the start of the 29^th Conference of Parties (COP), the United Nations’ big climate conference in Baku.

This clearly shows how closely our local climate issue is bound up with the national and international challenges of reversing climate change. It also illustrates how we aim to give expression to our motto: The Hague, city of peace and justice. Because peace and justice are governed by law. And by addressing the climate issue in a way which does justice to the interests of nature and everyone affected.

This afternoon you will be discussing this. And be introduced to the international partnerships around tackling climate change, partnerships that connect the local, national and international dimensions of the issue. The role of The Hague city council is always central to this. Because we care for climate policy and aim to continue to be at the forefront of that.

We have a The Hague Climate Agreement with many parties in the city. It includes 38 specific agreements (Deals) with local parties and two deals with international partners. And new Deals are constantly being added. These efforts are being seen and, partly as a result of that, The Hague is the first Dutch city to be awarded a mission label by the 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission of the EU.

As mayor of this city I have the honour of serving the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) as president this year. It is an international association of cities and local authorities. A highly relevant body, especially when it comes to climate. Already more than half the world’s population lives in cities. Those cities are responsible for around 70% of global CO2 emissions. It is therefore only natural that cities should play major part in reducing those emissions and also protect their residents from the effects of climate change that are becoming increasingly visible.

The Hague is making efforts to reduce local emissions, while also working on the local energy transition, greening and sustainability. Besides that, we are pursuing our mission for peace and justice. Not least by encouraging Impact businesses united in the ImpactCity programme. Companies that want to contribute to goals such as climate justice with their business model. Businesses and organisations united in The Hague Humanity Hub work on issues of peace and justice. For example, they are developing a Climate Justice Community to put the idea of climate justice on a firmer legal footing.

Besides being the seat of government and parliament, The Hague is also a city of diplomacy. The International Greening Network was recently set up for the representatives of the many embassies in our city. In that network embassies, international organisations, the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, together with The Hague city council, are looking for ways to become more sustainable on a local basis.

Finally, I would also like to mention that we are very honoured to have Professor Joyeeta Gupta here with us.  We travelled to India together in 2010. More relevant now however, is that she received the prestigious Spinoza Premium for her excellent scientific research in the field of the environment and development, and also lives in our city. She will be providing a keynote speech later today.

So all the ingredients are now in place to come to inspiring insights and forge valuable partnerships today and later this week. Whatever the outcome of COP 29 in Baku is, here we are committed to the task of making The Hague climate neutral. For that we need all of you, the parties to The Hague Climate Agreement, and all our residents.