On 19 February 2010 the government of the Netherlands made EUR 17.45 million available for the foundation of the Institute for Global Justice. This institute to be established in The Hague aims to become an authoritative top institute working in the field of peace, justice, security and development, thus making a vital contribution to the promotion of international justice.

Minister Van der Hoeven (Economic Affairs): “The foundation of the institute is totally in line with the government’s vision for the international reinforcement of the Randstad conurbation. We must strengthen what is already strong internationally. The IGJ will promote the profile of The Hague as an international city. In economic terms, this is welcome as it will boost the city’s appeal as a business base. Furthermore, it will have an economic spin-off for the city”.

According to the responsible deputy mayor, Sander Dekker (Education, Youth and Sport), this new institute will give The Hague the opportunity to provide top education related to peace and justice. “The establishment of Leiden University The Hague was a first step on the way to high quality academic education in The Hague. The arrival of the IGJ means that The Hague is definitively becoming the international knowledge cluster in this field.”

Also Jaap de Zwaan, Director of the Clingendael Institute and speaking on behalf of the The Hague Academic Coalition (HAC), a framework for cooperation between eight leading knowledge institutes in that city, is positive: “With regard to this project the Hague knowledge institutes have been engaged in constructive discussions with the City of The Hague and other partners. We welcome the establishment of the new Institute for Global Justice. Our understanding is that the institute through its activities will notably strengthen the knowledge infrastructure present today in The Hague. The institute can provide good services to stimulate new activities in the light of topical developments worldwide in the context of peace, justice and security. The knowledge institutes of The Hague are prepared to play a substantive role in this process, also by cooperating with each other.’’

Finally, according to Mayor Jozias van Aartsen, the Institute for Global Justice will provide The Hague with an institute of global importance. “The strength of the existing institutes in The Hague relating to peace, justice, security and development will be combined and reinforced through the IGJ. The Hague will become the base for new knowledge, products and services that can provide a solution to the complex problems facing the world.”

More information: Gerben van den Berg: +31 (0)70-3532032 / 06-21803670