The development of international law is an integral part of the foreign policy of the Netherlands. It is enshrined in the Dutch constitution. The Hague is known as the legal capital of the world. As such, the city has become the seat of many international legal organisations such as Europol, Eurojust, the International Court of Justice, the Inter­national Criminal Court and the International Criminal Tribunal of the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). 

The Hague also hosts the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The OPCW is responsible for monitoring compliance with the ban on chemical weapons and their destruction.

As a leading proponent of Human Rights, at home and abroad, the Netherlands supports freedom of speech, gender equality, and fair access to edu­cation, work and healthcare. The Dutch government strives to pro­tect and promote human rights all over the world. Besides the Netherlands Institute of Human Rights, it is also home to the European Court of Human Rights.

The Netherlands has long had a reputation for stability and justice. It plays an active role in preventing armed conflict worldwide and strengthening the international legal order by, for instance, participating in peace missions and supporting reconstruction in post-conflict countries.

An effective legal order is an essential condition for economic growth and development. Countries with fast-growing economies where the rule of law is weak run the risk of sliding into instability. The Dutch government therefore seeks to strengthen security and the rule of law in countries where governance is poor

To keep global warming within safe limits, science has made clear the world needs to set significantly higher ambitions. Bold action should be taken on the same scale as the crisis itself to ensure a sustainable planet for future generations. The necessary transitions will not be easy, but there is no alternative. The cost of inaction will simply be too high.

Fortunately, ambitious climate action can go hand-in-hand with economic growth and job creation. Green investments will make our economies more resilient to future shocks and are the best way to create well-paid local jobs that boost economic growth. Taking concrete measures today has clear co-benefits like healthier cities, increased food security and innovative sustainable business opportunities.

This is why the climate agenda is a priority for the Dutch government. We aim to significantly reduce our own emissions and strive for climate neutrality in 2050. This is not an easy task, but we are pragmatic and determined, tackling this challenge in close cooperation with business and civil society. In the same spirit, we are ready to work in partnership with you to make the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future and deliver on the Paris Agreement goals and the 2030 Agenda.

The digital world also enables us to transform cities and communities with sustainability at the forefront as well as bringing positive change across all industries on a global scale (SDG 11). In the Netherlands, digital technology enables us to bring supply and demand  together more quickly in order to implement successful innovations in short cyclical terms.

In digital transformation, peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16) need our commitment more than ever. To achieve this, fair access to justice and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels is essential. The Netherlands is able to capitalise on the economic and social opportunities of digitalisation, and ensures that it’s done in a safe and innovative manner.

By working together, we can foster continuous, inclusive and sustainable economic growth as well as decent jobs for everyone (SDG 8). By 2030, security organisations in the Netherlands will collect new and better data, so that they are always one step ahead.

Together with our international partners, the Netherlands wants to create a coalition of the willing to drive our industries into a new era. One of zero emissions, zero waste, zero kilometres. We will do this through the development of renewable and sustainable systems, through resource recovery and through inclusivity.

We aim to ‘flip the script’– instead of being part of the problem, let’s find solutions to address global challenges facing us today. None of us have the whole answer, but together, we can change the direction the planet is heading. To shift from a linear to a circular economy.

Each of us has a part to play to create innovative solution for the wellbeing and prosperity of people and our planet.

Let's empower our digital future!