In her final book, The Key to Theosophy, Helena P. Blavatsky writes that there are four fundamental ideas capable of binding all of humanity together as one family: Universal Unity and Causation, Human Solidarity, Karma and Reincarnation. If we were to live by these ideas, the world would change. Chaos, war and poverty would cease to exist. There would be harmony and justice.
At this symposium, we will explore together what is meant by Universal Unity and Solidarity, as well as the deeper meaning behind Karma and Reincarnation. Most of us have heard these terms before, but do we really know what they mean and what their implications are?
We will show how society could change if people put these four fundamental ideas into practice in their lives. Would this really change the very foundations of civilisation? Every day, the media confront us with an overwhelming stream of suffering in all its forms. Could that ever come to an end? Is a better world simply a utopia?
Through three lectures and two workshops, we will explore these questions. Are these ideas truly so far-reaching that they can bring about change not only in individuals, but also – and perhaps even more importantly – in our society?
You are warmly invited to join us at the symposium!
OPEN DEUR Festival: Exploring consent, boundaries and safer nightlife
How do you flirt on a night out, communicate your boundaries and navigate consent in a club? OPEN DEUR Festival brings conversation, education, art and nightlife together for an evening that is both thoughtful and playful.
The programme begins with a panel discussion exploring flirting, consent, self-love, victim blaming, shared responsibility and respecting boundaries. Visitors can also take part in workshops, explore exhibitions and browse a market featuring local makers. An affordable community meal will be available from KLUB during the panel programme.
From 21:00, Feverdream takes over the basement for a club night continuing until 02:00.
OPEN DEUR is a collaboration between Studio Ongepast, Loslippig and De Haagse Nachtraad. The festival welcomes everyone interested in contributing to a safer and more inclusive nightlife culture.
Date: Saturday 3 October 2026 Time: 19:00–02:00 Location: The Grey Space in the Middle Tickets: €7.50 for the panel and programme; €12.50 for the club night
Last week, a jury of eight experts selected thirteen organizations to compete for the three prizes of the ‘The Hague Innovator Awards 2026’. Names such as Seepje, Droppie, and Naïf are among the winners of previous editions.
Stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship
The Hague Innovators Awards, an initiative of ImpactCity (Municipality of The Hague), encourages entrepreneurs who contribute to societal progress and a strong Hague economy with innovative ideas. The selection process considered, among other things, innovation capacity, the feasibility and scalability of the business model, and the extent to which it solves a societal issue in The Hague and beyond.
The nominees of 2026
These are the nominated startups and scale-ups eligible for a The Hague Innovator Award:
AgroCCS – Develops seed bulbs for more effective nature restoration in challenging locations.
CupHub – Makes menstrual cups practical and hygienic to use in public restrooms.
Climate Savers – Helps consumers gain daily insight into their personal CO₂ emissions.
Khakoob – Develops prefabricated clay panels for sustainable and circular high-rise buildings.
MOVROBOTICS – Automates underwater inspections with maritime robots and advanced image analysis.
Turing Europe – Verified digital diplomas, identities, and certificates securely and across borders.
NinetyNine Agency – Increase the visibility of talent with a disability in media.
KiCo – Accelerates the growth of innovative food entrepreneurs with facilities and networks.
And these are the five nominated student entrepreneurs who are eligible for The Hague Student Innovator Award:
Acceptnc.space – Connects city dwellers through location-based, anonymous voice stories about emotions and experiences.
FairKamer – Makes housing allocation fairer with objective, transparent, and discrimination-free selection.
Legumia – Develops innovative legume products that make healthy eating simpler and more appealing.
myfoodtrade – Connects local food producers directly with consumers via digital sales and delivery.
Core Solutions – Helps people with limited hand function independently remove medicines from blister packs.
A jury has been assembled for both categories. The juries consist of experts from Rabobank, Stichting DOEN, DRK Foundation, InnovationQuarter, Tuincentrum Ockenburg, Social Impact Fonds, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, and ImpactCity. Additionally, there is a third prize to be won; everyone can cast a vote for the winner of the audience award.
Announcement of finalists
The nominees go through a substantive program aimed at the further development and growth of their organization. At the end of the program, the nominees submit a final plan of action and pitch the plan to the jury during the Schaal Je Impact event on November 10 in The Hague. The winners receive cash prizes ranging from 2,500 to 15,000 euros.
Alderman Richard de Mos is enthusiastic about presenting the awards for this twelfth edition: “Entrepreneurs are indispensable for a strong and future-proof city. With The Hague Innovators Awards, we shine a spotlight on innovative Hague entrepreneurs who, with guts, creativity, and perseverance, are building economic growth, new jobs, and impactful solutions. ”
ImpactCity is one of Europe’s leading ecosystems for organizations that combine ‘doing good and doing business’. Through ImpactCity, the Municipality of The Hague facilitates entrepreneurs and other impact makers with innovative solutions for starting and scaling up their businesses.
Text & images: Municipality of The Hague, Department of Economy
Avonturia de Vogelkelder is celebrating its 50th anniversary. To mark this special jubilee, Alderman for Economic Affairs Richard de Mos, on behalf of the municipal government, presented the Hague award ‘Ondernemers zijn Goud waard’ (Entrepreneurs are Worth Gold) to Emely Huybers, the wife of the late founder Jan Huybers, and the Huybers family.
What began in 1976 in the cellar beneath the house of Jan and Emely Huybers has grown over half a century into a remarkable Hague family business. Avonturia is now much more than a pet specialty store. A vast world of nature and experience emerged on Kerketuinenweg, with a focus on animals, nature, and education. The company is also active internationally with its own brands.
Thinking in possibilities
Alderman Richard de Mos (Economy): “Avonturia shows exactly why entrepreneurs are worth their weight in gold to our city. Jan Huybers didn’t think in terms of limitations, but in terms of possibilities. Where others said something was too big or too crazy, Jan saw opportunities. With guts, creativity, and hard work, he built a magnificent company from a basement in The Hague. It is incredibly special that Emely, Jimmy, Donald, and now the next generation are continuing his life’s work.”
New idea
De Mos knew Jan Huybers personally, as he explained at the award ceremony: “Jan was a passionate resident of The Hague and an entrepreneur in a million. Every time you spoke to him, he already had a new idea. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but his entrepreneurship and love for animals can still be seen everywhere in Avonturia.” Avonturia already received the Haagse Parel in the family business category in 2022. With the honorary print ‘Entrepreneurs are Worth Gold’, the municipality once again expresses its appreciation for the company. Alderman De Mos: “The Hague can be proud of Avonturia. A true Hague family business that has dared to dream, do business, and innovate for fifty years. I hope that many more wonderful years will follow.”
Photo credit: Martijn Beekman/Municipality of The Hague
Den Haag, 19-09-2026
Wethouder de Mos bij Avonturia, “ondernemers zijn goud waard”
Foto Martijn beekman – gemeente Den Haag
In ACCESS Stories this month, Beata van Velzen reflects on a relocation journey that began when she left Poland for London at the age of 24 and eventually led her to the Netherlands. Although she appeared well integrated, it was the care and compassion she experienced during her premature daughter’s hospital stay that made the Netherlands truly feel like home. She also explores the unexpected challenges of returning to your country of origin, and how moving abroad can reshape your identity, sense of belonging and understanding of what home means.
ACCESS is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that has supported the international community in the Netherlands since 1986. English-speaking volunteers provide free, independent information and guidance on living, working and settling in the Netherlands, via a helpdesk, email support and partnerships across the country.
