Netherlands Armed Forces Receive Prestigious Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize

The Hague - The Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize, the second oldest Peace Prize in the world, will be awarded today to the Netherlands Armed Forces at the Peace Palace. The Dutch Royal Navy, Royal Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Marechaussee are receiving this honor for their involvement in more than 80 peacekeeping missions worldwide.

The Laureate

The Netherlands Armed Forces play an essential role in the promotion of international peace and security. The Netherlands has participated in more than 80 peacekeeping missions since 1945 under the flags of the United Nations, NATO and the European Union. The Armed Forces not only provide military support but also contribute to civil aid. Dutch military personnel are often involved in building infrastructure, providing medical care, supporting local communities, training troops and establishing the rule of law. Currently Dutch troops are active in, amongst others, Lithuania, Iraq, Somalia, Mali, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Israel.

“The Netherlands Armed Forces contribute to global stability and peace in various ways, combining both military and humanitarian efforts,” states the jury of the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize. The jury report clarifies: “Long before the United Nations and UN peacekeeping missions existed, the Netherlands carried out their first peacekeeping mission in 1913 in Albania. In that same year the Peace Palace opened. This shows that, more than a hundred years ago, people had already realized that peacebuilding has many dimensions. Today, it is becoming increasingly clear that the international legal order, security and democracy must be safeguarded.

With this prize, we would like to thank all Dutch military personnel, who daily push their own boundaries to protect the borders of others. Members of the Netherlands Armed Forces dedicate their lives to preserving or building democracy and peace worldwide. Thank you!”

About Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize

The Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize has been awarded at the Peace Palace since 1931. The board of the Carnegie Foundation honors a person or institution that promotes international peace through word or deed. The prize was established by the Dutch banker Johan Wateler and entrusted to the Carnegie Foundation. This year, the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize will be awarded for the 74th time.

Award Ceremony

On behalf of the entire armed forces, general Onno Eichelsheim, Chief of Defence, will receive the Peace Prize on Tuesday 26 November 2024 at 4:30 pm in the Auditorium of the Peace Palace. The prize will be presented by Piet Hein Donner, chairman of the Carnegie Foundation, minister of state, and former vice president of the Council of State. The diplomatic corps, representatives of international institutions in The Hague, and relations of the laureate will attend the award ceremony. During the award ceremony, Dr. Tine Molendijk, an interdisciplinary cultural anthropologist specializing in military culture and ethics, and Prof. Lonneke Peperkamp, professor of military ethics and leadership, will highlight Dutch participation in peace missions from an external perspective. A musical intermezzo will be provided by the orchestra of the Royal Netherlands Airforce.