Welkomstwoord door Jan van Zanen bij de opening van THIMUN, 27 januari 2026

Dear all,

A very warm welcome to The Hague. It is our great pleasure to be your hosts once more for the fifty-eighth edition of The Hague International Model United Nations. We take great pride in the fact that this event has found a home in our city for so long.

Something that once began as a small-scale gathering has evolved into an impressive forum that allows young people from all over the world to come together. The world we live in is changing quickly, but the essence of this event has not changed: bringing young people together to practice listening, negotiation, and co-operation.

Especially in a time where the system of international law and international treaties is under increasing pressure and nationalism is rearing its head once more, your presence here is of great significance. The challenges our world is facing cannot be confined within national borders. Climate change, migration, safety, human rights: these are issues that require collective solutions. Nobody can solve these problems on their own.

For over eight decades, the United Nations has played a vital role in seeking these solutions. In areas such as peace and safety, protection of refugees, children’s rights, and sustainability, the UN has made a crucial contribution. Without this international co-operation, the world would be a very different place today.

During my visit to New York last year, I had the honour of presenting a letter to Secretary-General António Guterres. This letter had been written by THIMUN students together with the Board. The Secretary-General responded with a warm word of thanks. Unfortunately, he cannot be here with us today, but he wants you to know you can always count on him.

I would also like to address a special jubilee: the International Court of Justice marks its eightieth anniversary. As the only principal organ of the United Nations outside of New York, the Court reinforces the unique position of The Hague as international city of peace and justice, and UN-city. This makes your presence here even more significant.

Dear Delegates,

In the coming days you will have the opportunity to experience how complex, but also how valuable international decision-making is. You will not only learn how the United Nations functions, but also how important it is to explore points of view that are different from your own. This capacity to empathize and to understand before judging may be the most important skill you will learn here.

It is worth adding that this year’s theme for THIMUN is Culture & Heritage: Embracing Diversity. This is well-chosen, as diversity – in culture, history, and perspectives – is the foundation of mutual understanding and lasting cooperation.

I wish you an inspiring, educational, and successful conference. And who knows:  I might meet some of you again in The Hague as future students enrolled in one of our international degree programmes. Remember: you are always welcome here.