Toespraak door Jan van Zanen in het COMPAZ Community Center, 30 april 2025

 

Honourable Mayor João Campos,
Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

 

It is a true honour to stand here today, in the beautiful city of Recife

— a place that holds not only a vibrant present,

but also a shared past with the Netherlands.

 

This shared history has developed over four centuries.

Today, we are writing a new chapter in that relationship

— a relation based on cooperation, dialogue,

and a shared commitment to peace.

 

As Mayor of The Hague — the International City of Peace and Justice —

I am proud to witness Recife become the first city to formally demonstrate its commitment to the Hague Charter on Municipal Peace

by signing this decree.

With this step,

Recife shows the world how cities can make a real difference in promoting peace in their communities,

offering perspective and hope to their populations through local action.

 

Along with thousands of other Mayors,

I was inspired by the story of Recife when the COMPAZ peace initiative was presented in the Republic of Korea two years ago.

 

Last year, in my city of the Hague,

Recife’s impressive work was once again featured in the global conference on municipal peace.

 

Today, I am witnessing it with my own eyes.

 

I truly hope that many other cities,

in Brazil, in the Netherlands, and across the globe,

will follow your example and join this growing network of municipalities working for peace — locally and together.

 

Thank you, Mayor Campos, for your leadership and vision.

It is inspiring to see our historical connection transformed into a partnership for a better, more peaceful future.

 

Muito obrigado. Thank you.