We want to help build a world where no one goes hungry again, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We work with partners around the world to:

1. Promote sustainable food production
2. Reduce food waste
3. Produce more high-quality, safe, nutritious food
4. Grow greener cities and boost biodiversity

Partners in food security

You can only get so far on your own. That’s why we work across borders and sectors. Here in the Netherlands, our government, research institutes and the private sector work together to develop the tools to farm the future. Pooling our knowledge and expertise, to get us to a sustainably farmed world as fast as possible.

We also partner up with local governments, NGOs and the private sector to share our knowledge and technology with the world. It’s how we cocreate sustainable food systems at the local level, helping farmers produce more – and earn more.

Ready to dig deeper?

Explore the world of agriculture and horticulture. Discover how we grow green cities. Or learn how we work with governments, knowledge institutes and businesses from all over the world to achieve food security. Let’s farm the future together.

The Netherlands has, therefore, brought together experts from ministries, health organisations, businesses, universities and international development to find integrated and sustainable solutions to the current and future health crises.

The Netherlands invests in developing and strengthening healthcare systems at home and abroad. We stimulate innovation and progress through close cooperation between knowledge institutes, government and commercial businesses. At home and around the world.

We are committed to the support of health and human rights around the world. Our Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Health, Welfare and Sport have a long-established partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to help fund crucial areas of primary healthcare, worldwide.

Tackling water and maritime challenges can help address climate change and the other global challenges. But the Netherlands cannot do this alone. We need to work together, share knowledge and harness the power of technology. Only together can we manage water and maritime resources integrally and sustainably.
 

The Netherlands’ location as a densely populated, low lying delta has impacted our history, culture, society and democracy. The Dutch may be famous for building dikes and reclaiming land, but centuries of dealing with water challenges has brought us new insights. Today, the Netherlands harnesses nature itself to build resilient cities and coastal defences.  
 

Water challenges have taught us to cooperate, to include everyone in the solution and to look beyond our borders for novel solutions. How do we do this? Through partnership, knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation. In return, we are willing to share our advanced water management, delta and maritime technology. Port development, fishing, shipbuilding, dredging are among the many maritime industries that could benefit from global cooperation. Ultimately society itself benefits as integrated water management improves water supplies and sanitation. While wastewater management returns clean water to its natural cycle, enhancing diversity and replenishing this valuable and finite resource.

The Dutch government is committed to contribute to safe and secure water worldwide. That's why in 2023 the Netherlands co-hosted the UN Water Conference with Tadjikistan. We invite our global partners to join us in our quest.

Let’s value water for a water-secure world.

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.