Tekst videoboodschap ‘Why Urbanisation Matters’, 18 mei 2026

Good afternoon,

My name is Jan van Zanen, I am Mayor of the City of The Hague.

I am pleased to contribute to this discussion at the World Urban Forum in Baku on “Why Urbanisation Matters”.

Urbanisation is one of the defining forces of our time.
It shapes how societies grow, how resources are distributed, and how we respond to global challenges such as climate change, housing, and inequality.

For the Netherlands, this discussion is particularly relevant.
PBL, the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency is currently developing a report on international urbanisation.

This will be an advice to the Dutch government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on future policy directions.

Exchanges such as this one provide essential perspectives from cities, practitioners, and international partners that help ground this work in global practice.

Urbanisation must become a stronger part of international cooperation policy.

Cities are where many global challenges come together.
But cities are also where solutions are put into practice.

That is why we need a more integrated and place-based approach.
This helps avoid fragmented investments.
And it helps build inclusive and resilient cities.

To make this work, strong cooperation is needed.
Between national governments, cities, and international partners.

As Mayor of The Hague, and as member of the Presidency of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), I see every day how important cities are in international cooperation.

Organizations such as VNG International and United Cities and Local Governments help cities learn from one another and strengthen cooperation across countries.

I would like to thank everyone involved in organizing this important event, and especially PBL for bringing us together around this important discussion.

I encourage you to read their report. Thank you.