We proudly present the new Netherlands in Perspective 2021. Besides the latest statistics, this booklet also offers examples of how the Netherlands works together with local and global partners to address societal and economic themes.

Coldplay joins hands with Dutch non-profit The Ocean Cleanup to rid our oceans of plastic.

Since the 1950s, global plastics production has skyrocketed, while only a fraction of plastics are being recycled. Today, our consumption of plastics is 360 million metric tonnes per year, and this figure is set to double in the next 20 years. This enormous plastics mountain poses a major threat to human health, nature and the environment.

Today marked the 20th anniversary of the first same-sex marriages worldwide, which took place in Amsterdam. Since then, 20,000 same-sex marriages are registered in the Netherlands. And 30 countries have passed national laws, enabling gay and lesbian couples to wed.

On the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, we put the #WhiteCard initiative in the spotlight which symbolises inclusion, tolerance and peace in sports and beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the stark difference in access to quality healthcare in various regions. In line with yesterday’s World Health Day theme ‘Building a fairer, healthier world’ we were inspired to highlight this poignant issue.