Stand for Just Peace

As global leaders prepare to gather in The Hague for the 2025 NATO Summit, we call for a balanced vision of peace and security, one that places people at its heart.

At a time when the focus is increasingly drawn toward defense capabilities and military preparedness, we urge equal and sustained attention to and investment in the long-term work of building resilient, inclusive, and just societies. This is not an alternative to security, it is the foundation of it.

We invite all individuals and institutions committed to a more just and peaceful world to endorse this statement and stand together in building a future where peace is not only protected, but cultivated.

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"The Hague Speaks for Peace: Rebalancing Security”

Public Statement for Peace and Resilience Ahead of the 2025 NATO Summit
Issued during the Just Peace Festival, The Hague

As global leaders prepare to gather in The Hague for the 2025 NATO Summit, we call for a balanced vision of peace and security, one that places people at its heart.

At a time when the focus is increasingly drawn toward defense capabilities and military preparedness, we urge equal and sustained attention to and investment in the long-term work of building resilient, inclusive, and just societies. This is not an alternative to security. It is the foundation of it.

We cannot rely solely on military force to prevent and resolve conflicts. We also need policies that eliminate the social, economic and political roots of conflict. This means investing in resilience, in stable institutions, equitable economies, inclusive and just societies, and the rule of law. Today’s complex and compounding global problems: conflicts and geopolitical tensions, the climate crisis, deepening inequalities all call for a balanced approach. Our collective security and well-being everywhere—including here in the Netherlands—relies on it.

However, while military spending is increasing, investments in prevention of root causes of conflict are decreasing.

We need to act now. Here in the Hague, across the Netherlands and beyond, many individuals and institutions are working tirelessly to prevent conflict, protect human rights, uphold international law, and build the foundations of just and peaceful societies. These efforts are essential to global security and must be valued and resourced alongside defense.

We therefore call on political leaders, civil society, international institutions, and concerned citizens to:

  • Champion policies that recognize addressing root causes as a vital part of our approach to security alongside defense;

  • Ensure that the pursuit of peace remains a shared and resourced priority in both national and international agendas;

  • Increase investments in developing stable institutions, equitable economies, inclusive and just societies, and the rule of law;

  • Recognise and support the vital contributions of peacebuilding and humanitarian organisations and professionals in the Netherlands and worldwide;

As the Just Peace Festival reminds us, peace is not found in the absence of war— it is found in building resilient, inclusive and just societies as the pathway to sustainable peace. Let us not lose sight of that truth. And let us act on it.

We invite all individuals and institutions committed to a more just and peaceful world to endorse this statement and stand together in building a future where peace is not only protected, but cultivated.


This statement is an initiative of The Hague Humanity Hub

ENDORSE NEDERLANDS

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with us please drop a line to hello@humanityhub.net

Endorsed by:

Organisations

  • Asylos, UK/Netherlands
  • Climate Legal Consulting, The Netherlands
  • CyberPeace Institute, Switzerland
  • Didi, Israel
  • Find Out Why, The Netherlands
  • Free Thought, UK/The Netherlands
  • HiiL, The Netherlands
  • Integrity Initiatives International Europe, The Netherlands
  • International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, The Netherlands
  • International Human Rights Commission-RFT, The Netherlands
  • LINKS Europe Foundation, The Netherlands
  • PAX, The Netherlands
  • Rhubarb Effect, The Netherlands
  • Somaliland Lawyers Association (SOLLA), Somaliland
  • Stichting HALO Trust Europe, The Netherlands
  • The Hague Academy for Local Governance, The Netherlands
  • The Hague Humanity Hub, The Netherlands
  • ZOA, The Netherlands

    Individuals

    • Alexander Gunkel, CEO, Space4Good, The Netherlands
    • Ali Al Bayati, Founder and CEO, Stichting Defenders for Human Rights, The Netherlands
    • Anthony Forde, Academic / Human Rights / War Crimes Investigations Training, 4RDE Consulting, United Kingdom
    • Benjamin Duerr, International Lawyer and Writer, The Netherlands
    • Clair Moore, Programme Manager, Centre of Expertise, Global and Inclusive Learning, The Netherlands
    • Daphne Nederhorst, Social Entrepreneur, Sustainability in Action, The Netherlands
    • Emmylou Aben, CEO, Pitztop, The Netherlands
    • Gordon Graham, Rotary Club The Hague Metropolitan, Rotary International, The Netherlands
    • Guy van Eijkeren, Manager, Economic Board The Hague (EBTH), The Netherlands
    • Harry Hummel, Human Rights Campaigner, The Netherlands
    • Machiko Kanetake, Associate Professor of Public International Law, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
    • Maria Luisa Avila Jimenez, Innovation Consultant, Spain
    • Mary Kaburura, Advocate, Isaac Newton Advocates, Uganda
    • Paulien Boone, Consultant, The Netherlands
    • Sara Dzafic, Political Sociologist & Socioeconomic Researcher-Consultant, The Netherlands
    • Sajad Sepehri, Educational Development and Innovation Strategist, Institute for Social Sciences & Humanities / VU, The Netherlands / Iran
    • Tomas Kidd, Consultant, The Netherlands
    • Wim Nusselder, Financieel Administrateur, The Netherlands

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