Word of welcome by Jan van Zanen at the opening of the ‘Support for democracy’ symposium, 6 March 2025

 

Good afternoon everyone,

 

A very warm welcome to The Hague.

You are here today for a symposium on the subject of ‘support for democracy’.

An idea of my good friend, Henk Dekker.

The Hague is an ideal location for an academic discussion on this theme.

For centuries, it has been the seat of the Netherlands’ national government.

And for more than 125 years we have been known as the ‘international city of peace and justice’.

Closely linked to that reputation also is the presence of the University of Leiden in The Hague, our host today.

But what matters most to your symposium is, of course, the fact that our city is where the beating heart of Dutch democracy lies.

 

Worldwide, democracy has been in better shape before.

According to the annual democracy index published by The Economist, nearly 40% of the world’s population now live under autocratic regimes.

The tendency for such regimes to come to power at least partly through democratic means is also worrying.

Only then to erode that democracy, bit by bit.

 

This raises the question: to what extent are people capable of turning this tide?

One remedy, not the remedy, may be: to make children and youngsters aware that it is more pleasant to live in a democracy than an autocracy.

Here in The Hague that is done by ProDemos, an organisation that you will be visiting together.

Henk Dekker and I were once on the Supervisory Board of ProDemos.

 

The Hague city council is also actively involved in informing young people about democracy.

That starts with council visits by primary school children, where they can ask questions about the things that interest them.

Besides this, the council also focuses on youngsters in secondary and vocational education.

Which brings me to my next point:

If you want to strengthen democracy, you have to start close to home, at local level.

Because, ultimately, local government is the area of government closest to ordinary people.

And it is local democracy that deals with the immediate environment in which people live.

And where, for that matter, ideology need not always play a role.

As far as I am aware, there are no ‘Christian-Democratic or Social-Democratic street lamps’, to give an example.

The reverse is also true: the erosion of faith in the government starts on the streets and in the districts, wherever people feel forgotten and left to their fate.

Leading to the decline of democracy.

 

For some time now I have been closely involved with United Cities and Local Governments.

As president of that association this year I am trying to help strengthen local government worldwide.

And at the same time offer support for local democracies.

Local government plays an important part in shaping the world of today and tomorrow.

For example, in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Which are not just about environmental sustainability, but social and economic inclusion, as well.

Local governments have a key role to play in that.

Not least because social and economic inclusion can help remove the root causes of conflict.

Such as inequality, injustice and a lack of opportunities.

In this and other ways, local governments can foster peaceful co-existence.

And strengthen local democracy.

 

In that spirit, I wish you an inspiring and fruitful symposium.

And, naturally, a pleasant stay in our city.