Public Statement for Peace and Resilience ahead of the 2025 NATO Summit

Public Statement for Peace and Resilience ahead of the 2025 NATO Summit

Start of Just Peace Festival with a call for peace from The Hague

The Hague, the Netherlands, 11 June 2025 – The Just Peace Festival officially begins today in The Hague, launching more than two weeks of international dialogue and civic engagement in the lead-up to the 2025 NATO Summit. Running until 26 June, the festival opens with a powerful statement for peace and resilience under the title “The Hague Speaks for peace: Rebalancing security.” The statement is an initiative of The Hague Humanity Hub and announced by it’s managing director Jill Wilkinson during the festival opening ceremony. Endorsed by The Hague’s Mayor Jan van Zanen and Leiden University Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl the message calls for a renewed and human-centered approach to peace and security. 

The public statement is a 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.” Jill Wilkinson, managing director of The Hague Humanity Hub.

The full public statement can be found here: https://www.justpeacethehague.org/page/stand-for-just-peace 

"Now more than ever, it is important to connect and continue working together for Peace and Justice." Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen.

About the Just Peace Festival

The Just Peace Festival is a city-wide celebration that brings together residents, artists, experts, policy makers alike to explore peace and justice through exhibitions, dialogues, performances, and events. https://www.justpeacethehague.org/en/

About The Hague Humanity Hub

The Hague Humanity Hub is a not-for-profit foundation that supports and strengthens the ecosystem for a more peaceful and just world. It facilitates connections and innovation by offering the necessary ingredients for chance encounters, new alliances, inspirational collaborations, and the exchange of knowledge.