To get a good start in life, every child needs an education. However, poverty and a lack of good quality education mean that this is simply not a given for millions of children in the world. Circumstances force them into labour which compromises their own opportunities later in life. Child-labour-free zones could turn around their chances and break the cycle of poverty.

The virtual trade mission to China with sustainability as the central theme is led by the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Liesje Schreinemacher. Also expected to make an appearance is the State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management, Vivianne Heijnen. The mission will be entirely virtual, with foreign participants gathering physically on locations in Shanghai, Jinan, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Beijing and dialing in collectively for the webinars.

The Netherlands is proud that the city of Rotterdam can host the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest – live! – from 18 to 22 May. Jeangu Macrooy will represent our country with his song, ‘Birth of a New Age’. With the theme ‘Open Up’, Eurovision fans are invited to delight in the uniting power of music and open up to each other’s culture, traditions and creative expressions. With a multitude of innovative and fun activities, fans around the world can also take part in the festivities.