Word of welcome by Jan van Zanen at the opening of THIMUN, 28 January 2025
Good afternoon everyone,
(Hello again),
A very warm welcome to The Hague. The city where The Hague International Model United Nations is taking place for the fifty-seventh time. Something we are very proud of. This event truly belongs to The Hague. Not least, because we are known as the international city of peace and justice. And we are a United Nations city. The highest legal body of the UN, the International Court of Justice, is based here. In a building that symbolises The Hague’s international reputation: the Peace Palace.
International meetings are often held in The Hague. In June of this year we will have the honour of welcoming the NATO summit, here in the World Forum, in this auditorium. Your seats will later be occupied by the world’s leaders. Over the next few days in various ways you will come to learn more about the summit and the work of NATO.
People in The Hague have dedicated themselves to peace and justice for one hundred and twenty-five years now. This they do in tribunals, international organisations, academic institutions and NGOs. Their numbers have grown considerably over the last twenty or thirty years and are still growing. Working to build a better world is something you do in The Hague. And you cannot begin too early on that. That’s why I am very pleased to see you all here today.
You will learn about the United Nations and get to know each other. You will learn how to work together to find solutions to the challenges facing us now and in the future. And how to reach agreement, even when you disagree. That is very important. Because it is the only way to ensure a peaceful and sustainable future.
Something we badly need right now. The situation in the world gives enough cause for concern. But we must guard against falling into pessimism. Certainly, we need to be realistic and acknowledge the problems that humanity currently struggles with. But, above all, we need to work on finding solutions. Be that for peace, justice or a habitable planet for future generations, for example. And there is only one way to do that: and that is together.
I can well imagine that this introduction to the world of the United Nations leaves you wanting more. That’s why I would like to say: you are most welcome if you want to study international law and international cooperation in more depth after your final exams. The Hague has plenty to offer in that respect. The Hague is also a great place to stay for a longer or shorter period. Including for young people. As you will certainly discover in the coming days.
Wishing you the best of luck and, who knows, perhaps one day we’ll see you again in The Hague.