Toespraak Jan van Zanen onthulling Bird of Peace, 19 juni 2025

Your excellencies, dear guests,

A warm welcome to you all. A special welcome to Mr. Mirza Moric and his wife, the creator of this impressive work of art. He has travelled from Paris to be with us in person at today’s official unveiling.

I am grateful that The Hague has been selected as the next destination for the Bird of Peace.

The statue is a dedication to war victims across the world. As the international city of peace and justice, The Hague is proud to host numerous NGO’s and International Organizations who aim to bring perpertrators of the most shameful war crimes to account. And support survivors in rebuilding their futures.

Arts and culture are important tools in this process. I witnessed this first hand when I visited the Khanenko Museum in Kyiv last year. Those who have experienced war begin to look at art in a different way. It is not only “beautiful” but also becomes closely linked to your own identity and freedom.

The exhibition therefore fits in perfectly with the city’s ‘Road to Summit’ program, currently taking place in the build up to the NATO summit. A wide range of debates, film nights, exhibitions and much more to stimulate ideas for alternative and sustainable pathways to peace.

I see the Bird of Peace as an expression of hope in uncertain times. It is my wish that it will inspire the citizens of The Hague, young and old, when they see it on their way to or from our city hall. That they may reflect on the freedoms they enjoy here. And think about what we ourselves as individuals can do to look out for each other. In turbulent times such as these, this solidarity is needed more than ever.

Thank you.