A pilot project for emergency support points during disasters, such as prolonged power outages, is starting in the municipalities of The Hague and Leidschendam-Voorburg. The trial with help and information points is necessary to determine the best way to set up these locations for all nine municipalities in the Haaglanden Safety Region. In the event of a major power outage, residents will soon be able to go to nearby locations to report an emergency and obtain information if this is no longer possible via regular means of communication, such as telephone, social media, and the internet. The General Board of the Safety Region discussed this today.
“Prolonged power outages affect us all. With the emergency support points, we are organizing places in the neighborhood where people can go to ask for help when calling and online contact are no longer possible. It also involves places where residents can find and help each other. By thinking ahead now, we will be prepared for the future. Together, we are working on a resilient region and the self-reliance and collective resilience of residents,” said Mayor Jan van Zanen of The Hague, Chairman of the Haaglanden Safety Region.
Staying safe in the Haaglanden
Since the end of 2025, households throughout the Netherlands have received an information booklet from the central government as part of the Denk Vooruit campaign, containing tips and advice for proper preparation for emergency situations. The Haaglanden Safety Region is building on this campaign with all 9 municipalities through Haaglanden Veilig . On this website and via a newly developed app, residents can read how to properly prepare for risks and what they can do themselves in the event of a major power outage, cyberattack, or extreme weather.
Martijn Vroom, Mayor of Leidschendam-Voorburg, emphasizes the importance of being prepared: “That way, you can better help yourself and others in your neighborhood when needed, because help can sometimes take a while to arrive in emergency situations. Especially if essential services fail and there is no power due to a major outage or, for example, a cyberattack. That is why it is wise to prepare for this.”
Where and how
Through this pilot, the municipalities are investigating this year what is needed to deploy emergency support points throughout the entire safety region during emergencies and disasters. Among other things, they are examining the suitability of locations, the layout of the support points, staffing, management, communication, and cooperation with involved organizations and volunteers. They must become physical, familiar places in the neighborhood providing reliable information, where residents can help each other and report emergencies.
The Haaglanden Safety Region is also testing the organization of a regional coordination point. This point will manage the coordination for the emergency support points: it will bundle information and ensure the connection with the emergency services within the regional crisis organization. During the pilot, the safety region is investigating what support the local emergency support points need during a crisis and how emergency services can be deployed if, for example, power and mobile telephony are limited or completely unavailable.
National strategy
The pilot is part of a national assignment to gain experience with emergency support points in all 25 safety regions in the Netherlands. This allows for a practical investigation into the organization, manpower, equipment, and financial resources required for structural implementation and nationwide coverage.
Mayor Van Zanen and Chairman of the Haaglanden Safety Region: “With this study, we can clarify to the national government what resources are needed for emergency support points in all municipalities. The world around us is changing. Major power outages, cyberattacks, and extreme weather can have major consequences. That requires action from everyone. Investing in the self-reliance and collective resilience of our residents is not a luxury; it is a dire necessity.”
The Hague and Leidschendam-Voorburg
In the Haaglanden Safety Region, a somewhat larger and a somewhat smaller municipality were selected for the pilot to investigate how emergency support points can be set up to be as accessible as possible. This aligns with established locations within social and municipal networks in The Hague and Leidschendam-Voorburg. The focus is on trusted and low-threshold locations, such as service points, district centres, and community centres, where professionals and volunteers are active and residents already know how to find and support each other in daily life.
Following the success of last year, students from The Hague are returning with a renewed Student Experience at Bevrijdingsfestival Den Haag on 5 May. In collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague and educational institutions, The Hague as a student city presents a day centred on music, connection and freedom.
Community, club and creativity
The best student DJs from The Hague will form the line-up, promising an energetic club experience. New this year is more space for meeting student associations, complete with a sunny terrace and a stronger focus on art and creativity. Students from the Royal Academy of Art will create interactive art projects, while architecture students from The Hague University of Applied Sciences will build a striking landmark as a student-inspired focal point on the festival grounds. Students from Inholland will capture moments with polaroids, and university students, now based at their new home at the University Campus Spui, will showcase the academic strength of The Hague.
Student associations
Studying in The Hague is diverse, and this will be visible during the HI The Hague Student Experience. Visitors can get to know the student associations in the city, each presenting their own identity. The HI The Hague student committee will also announce the city-wide introduction programme for new students in August.
Working together on The Hague as a student city
In recent years, the HI The Hague Student Experience has grown into an inclusive event where the student city of The Hague comes together. From vocational to academic education, from technical talents to creatives, and including the leaders of the future. Project leader Valentijn Schulz brings everyone together on 5 May: “It is a celebration. Not only the day itself, but also the journey towards it shows the ambition to work hard together to make The Hague a fantastic student city.”
The Student Experience is therefore the stage where music, talent and connection come together. “Freedom is celebrated in The Hague Student City.”
Collaboration with educational institutions
The HI The Hague Student Experience is made possible by educational institutions in The Hague: ROC Mondriaan, Leiden University Campus The Hague, TU Delft Campus The Hague, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Inholland University of Applied Sciences The Hague, the Royal Academy of Art, the Royal Conservatoire, Hotelschool The Hague and the Institute of Social Studies.
About HI The Hague
The Hague is an attractive student city with a wide range of educational opportunities. More than 35,000 full-time higher education students from the Netherlands and abroad study in the city, along with nearly 15,000 vocational students. HI The Hague organises activities throughout the year for students to meet each other and discover the city.
HI The Hague is an initiative of the Student & City Platform, a collaboration between educational institutions in The Hague, the Municipality of The Hague and student organisations. The aim is to optimise the student climate and facilities for all students in the city. The platform supports student committee activities, including the city-wide introduction programme organised by HI The Hague Events and the HI The Hague Reporters, and manages the Study in The Hague website:
The Hague economy is performing well according to a recent progress report from the Gemeente Den Haag. Thanks to the joint efforts of the municipality, businesses, entrepreneurs, and educational and knowledge institutions, the economy grew faster in recent years than in previous years and than the national average. For instance, the University Campus Spui opened, allowing The Hague to grow as a student and knowledge city, and Scheveningen Haven is developing into a future-oriented working port. Furthermore, the first results of the approach to improve the business climate in the Schilderswijk and Transvaal districts are clearly visible, and significant steps have been taken to improve business services.
The Hague is growing, and that calls for clear choices. To keep the city livable and prosperous, focusing on a healthy economy is essential. This means paying attention to entrepreneurs as well as large companies, to innovative start-ups as well as broadly supported Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Together, they ensure that residents of The Hague can work in the city where they live, that essential facilities are preserved, and that The Hague remains attractive to residents and visitors.
Alderman Nur Icar (SME): “Our services to entrepreneurs are becoming clearer, more personal, and faster step by step, with the Entrepreneur Portal as the central hub.”where entrepreneurs can turn to. It is wonderful that the number of entrepreneurs finding their way to the Entrepreneur Portal is increasing: in 2025 there were 3,845 compared to 2,464 visitors in 2023. It is important that this course is continued. Furthermore, I am very pleased with the steps taken so far together with entrepreneurs to make the neighborhoods in Schilderswijk and Transvaal into attractive and future-proof shopping areas.”
Alderwoman Saskia Bruines (Economic Development): “I am proud of the steps we have taken over the past few years. A great example is the growth of The Hague’s cybersecurity cluster, where nearly 6,000 people worked a year ago. Thanks to targeted attention, we are attracting new companies and building a vital ecosystem together with our partners. This cluster not only generates jobs and economic value but also contributes to the digital security of residents and businesses in the city and region.”
10 years of ImpactCity, additional BIZs and space for businesses
Another important milestone is the 10th anniversary of the ImpactCity program. For a decade, The Hague has been investing specifically in companies that combine doing good and doing business . The city now has over 200 companies that are part of the so-called impact economy. In light of current geopolitical developments, investments in circularity and clean energy are particularly important. Furthermore, the city now has 30 Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), and with the opening of the Beatrijs multi-tenant office building last year, The Hague has also gained an additional 3,500 m² of workspace for manufacturing companies, particularly from the local area. The relocation and expansion of The Hague Tech has also created extra space for technology companies.
Economy of the future
At the same time, there are areas of focus to keep The Hague’s economy strong and resilient in the future. For example, the development of the knowledge economy is lagging behind. Although the knowledge base in The Hague is growing, driven by universities and startups among others, the share of knowledge-intensive companies remains smaller than in other major cities. It is also important to continue focusing on improving services for entrepreneurs. Additionally, there is a shortage of space for companies to grow and innovate, and the city needs to become more attractive to attract and retain talent.
The Municipality of The Hague is presenting the Progress Report on the Waste Action Plan 2025 today. The report shows what has been done over the past year to keep the city clean, where the biggest developments and challenges lie, when the key steps were taken, and how and in what manner the municipality will further scale up the approach in 2026. An important finding is that the waste challenge continues to grow: in particular, the number of illegal dumpings of bulky waste increased sharply. The report also shows that while many steps will have been taken in 2025 thanks to the efforts of residents, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and municipal services, we are not there yet. Due to the growth in the number of residents and visitors, pressure on public space continues to increase, meaning that additional effort and further intensification remain necessary.
“ We are seeing the results of the efforts of residents, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and our own services. The involvement of so many people from The Hague truly makes a difference. The results show that these efforts are working, but also that we are not there yet. The growth of the city requires an approach that moves with the rhythm of The Hague. That is why we are pressing even harder in 2026, with extra attention to the places where it is needed most ,” says Alderman Arjen Kapteijns (Raw Materials).
Strong growth in resident involvement
Interventions have been carried out in virtually all neighborhoods that have enhanced livability. Residents, entrepreneurs, and social organizations played an important role in this. The number of ORAC adopters grew to 1,682, and over 1,000 volunteers actively contributed to cleanup campaigns and neighborhood initiatives. In neighborhoods such as Moerwijk, Rustenburg-Oostbroek, Laak, and the Schilderswijk, new projects have emerged in which young people, residents’ groups, and informal networks such as community centers and neighborhood fathers and mothers work together to keep the neighborhood clean. This commitment is highly appreciated, encouraged, and supported by the municipality.
Large deployment of municipal services
Municipal services also delivered a strong performance in 2025. Reports regarding waste and cleanliness were handled on time in 90% of cases, well above the standard of 85%. The Haagse Straat Organisatie and Haagse Milieu Services ensured that waste was collected on time and that the city generally remained clean, despite increasing pressure from growing visitor flows, more large packaging and boxes resulting from online orders, and intensive use of public space.
Growing waste challenge and visible improvements
The insights from the recent Erasmus study confirm that litter nuisance is not caused solely by improper behavior, but is strongly linked to daily routines, limited space, social pressure, and language or knowledge barriers. The study emphasizes that enforcement is important, but has insufficient effect without better communication, trust, and support in the neighborhood. The conclusions align closely with the measures in the current Waste Action Plan 2023–2026 and provide direction for further intensification of the waste approach, so that measures better fit the daily lives of residents.
The progress report shows that the waste challenge continues to grow. The amount of illegal dumping of bulky waste rose to 11.2 million kilos, an increase of 600,000 kilos compared to 2024. The number of misplaced bags and boxes also increased. In addition, the 25 priority districts lagged behind the target for eight different types of waste: the score came in at 64%, below The Hague’s ambition level of 80%. Efforts in the priority areas will be continued in 2026.
At the same time, improvements are also visible thanks to the extra effort. Weekend work was nearly tripled in the fourth quarter of 2025, resulting in the city being significantly cleaner on Monday mornings. The deployment of four additional sweeping machines, sixteen employees, and agile cleaning machines led to better results in the priority neighborhoods. Measurements for fine litter, primarily harmful cigarette filters, improved throughout 2025: in the priority areas, the score increased from 39% in the first quarter to 49% in the fourth quarter. Scores for bulky litter also show a clear improvement compared to 2024.
Increased focus on circularity and service provision
In addition, 24 cleanup days were organized in 2025, during which collaboration with repair cafés took place on four of those days to give electrical appliances a second life. Nearly 205,000 residents also visited a waste drop-off station, and 161,000 bulky waste collection appointments were carried out. The 125,000 reports regarding waste and cleanliness show that residents are actively involved in improving their living environment.
Outlook 2026
In 2026, the approach will be further intensified. The structural expansion of weekend cleaning will be continued, extra efforts will be made to reduce fine litter through education, facilities, and enforcement, and area-based working will be further strengthened. The waste approach will also be more explicitly linked to the raw materials transition, so that increased reuse of items and materials contributes to waste reduction. The results of the first quarter of 2026 show that the city is becoming visibly cleaner; effective measures are therefore being continued and expanded.
Today, the Municipality of The Hague presents the 2025 Programme Account. With this annual report, the financial year is concluded and the municipality looks back on what has been achieved. In a time of growth and change, work has continued on a city that remains liveable, accessible, and inclusive. A total of €3.9 billion was spent in 2025, and the year concludes with a positive result.
In the program account, the municipality accounts for the policy pursued and the expenditures of the past year. The Hague continued to develop, with visible results in the city, but also with challenges that require continued attention.
Space for growth and development
The Hague is growing, and this was be clearly visible in 2025. New homes and facilities are being built throughout the city. In the past year, construction began on more than 3,000 homes, a large proportion of which are in the affordable segment. Steps have also been taken in larger area developments. The Binckhorst area program was open for public inspection, and agreements have been made with market parties regarding the Laakhavens. Together, these developments offer space for nearly 20,000 new homes. For The Hague Southwest, the administrative agreements Woondeal Zuidwest 2025-2029 were signed in 2025. These include agreements on accelerating the construction of 6,000 affordable homes in Southwest.
To support this growth, investments have been made in accessibility and road safety. Bicycle use has been encouraged by creating more space for cyclists and addressing bottlenecks. In addition, the municipality has started the renewal of tram lines 6 and 12 to make them suitable for modern, sustainable low-floor trams that are more accessible to everyone.
Investing in a green and equal opportunities
A growing city requires a pleasant living environment. Therefore, the focus in 2025 was on greening and sustainability. More than 350,000 tiles were replaced by greenery and plants, over 2,000 trees were distributed, and more than 500 rain barrels were installed. Approximately 75 sports and play areas were also renovated.
Equal opportunities remain an important guiding principle. With the new Hague Educational Agenda, a step has been taken towards future-oriented and inclusive education. Reading proficiency received particular attention in this regard. The Hague libraries were visited more than 2 million times in 2025, and the number of youth members reached a record high. The library thus remains an important place for meeting and development. In addition, attention was paid to our shared history and connection. With the unveiling of the Remember Our United Beginning monument , the history of slavery has been given a permanent place in the city.
A strong and innovative economy
In 2025, The Hague continued to build a strong economy and an attractive business climate. In districts such as Transvaal and the Schilderswijk, shopping streets have been renovated and local entrepreneurship has been stimulated. Impact entrepreneurship plays an increasingly important role. ImpactCity celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025. The Hague now has more than 200 impact enterprises working on solutions for societal challenges.
In addition, The Hague was the host city for various events. For instance, the opening stage of the Tour of Holland took place in the Zuiderpark, and the city welcomed the European Wheelchair Rugby Championship. The Hague was also in the international spotlight during the NATO summit in June, where approximately 9,000 visitors were received. The active recruitment of international organizations has led to the establishment of nine new organizations, including UNDP, GNI, and Investing for Peace, which contribute to the profile of the city as an international city of peace and justice.
Positive result
The year of 2025 closed with a positive financial result of over €64 million, approximately 1.7% of the total budget. Part of this amount flows back into the reserves, thereby remaining available for its original purpose. The remaining result of €21.9 million is added to the general reserve. The municipality’s financial position remains solid, and thanks in part to improvements in budgetary rules and the planning and control cycle, a strong foundation has been laid for the future.
At the same time, challenges remain, including those related to the city’s growth, the financing of youth care, and uncertainty regarding central government funding. These call for careful consideration and targeted choices.
On Friday, April 24, 2026, 57 residents of The Hague received a royal decoration, 55 of them from Mayor Van Zanen. Since registration began in 2004, the number of decorations awarded in The Hague has not been this high. Additionally, at 98 years old, the oldest recipient of a decoration in the Netherlands comes from The Hague: Janine Marseille-Smit.
The awarding of royal decorations takes place annually on the last working day preceding King’s Day. On that day, people who have performed exceptional (volunteer) work for society receive a royal distinction. This year, there are more than 3,600 such people in the Netherlands.
Mayor Jan van Zanen (The Hague): “These people are the shoulders that carry The Hague. Year in, year out, they dedicate themselves to our neighborhoods, our schools, and our healthcare. For them, that is quite normal, but for us, it is very special. Their commitment is invaluable to our city and deserves to be seen and recognized.”
Of the decorated individuals from The Hague, 42 were appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau, 13 Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau, 1 Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau, and 1 Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau with Swords. The latter was presented by the Minister of Defence. One person received the distinction in Leidschendam-Voorburg from the mayor of that municipality.
During a special gathering at the Diligentia theater in The Hague, Mayor Jan van Zanen spoke warm words about each of them. Due to the large number of decorations to be awarded, the program was divided into a morning and an afternoon session this time. Music was provided in between by pianist Ed Boekee.
Last year, the mayor presented a total of 43 decorations; the year before, that number was 39. In 2023, 2022, and 2021, there were 35 awards each year.
—-
These people received a Royal Decoration:
Meaning of LON, RON, ROZ and OON:
LON: appointed Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau
RON: appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau
ROZ: appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau with Swords
OON: appointed Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau
Geert (Geert Jacob) Baron van Asbeck (RON)
After his journalistic career, Geert Baron van Asbeck used his knowledge, network, and experience to give others a voice. In various countries, he helped underprivileged communities tell their own stories, through channels including children’s newspapers, photography, and radio. He was a co-founder and director of the Kilimanjaro Film Institute, which trains young people in film and television production. Later, he worked for PUM and founded the REF FM Foundation. Through local radio stations in refugee camps in Africa, he provides a powerful and connecting medium for people who are rarely heard.
Leny (Helena) Baak-Spaans (LON)
Leny Spaans has been active at football club SVC’08 for 50 years. Nothing is too much trouble for her. She started by producing the club magazine and subsequently became a manager of youth teams, including her son’s. She was also a member of the youth board for many years. In addition, she works bar shifts, is often at the club to help out, and was involved in the merger of two clubs, during which she also handled the membership administration. Within the club, she maintains contact with members, among other things by sending cards when they are ill. She has also been singing in the Scheveningen Fisherwomen’s Choir for thirteen years, where she is not only the secretary but also arranges the traditional dress for members who do not possess it.
Joke (Johanna Maria) Beintema-Stoffels (LON)
Joke Beintema is receiving recognition for her exceptional dedication as a volunteer for the school libraries of Montessorischool Waalsdorp and OBS Anne Frank. Since 1977, she has managed the collection with great devotion, which she fully digitized together with a colleague according to professional library standards. Every year, she teaches library usage lessons to Group 3 and teaches older students how to run the library independently. With her keen eye for second-hand gems, she continuously expands the collection so that children have access to both new titles and classics. Colleagues describe her as modest, but invaluable to reading education.
Marva (Helena) Biekman (LON)
Marva Biekman (artist name Krofaya Kromanti) plays a key role in putting and keeping Sranantongo, the contact language of the Surinamese people, on the map. She is the author of seven books in Sranantongo and has added over five hundred new words to the language, such as the word ‘mondkapje’ (face mask). In doing so, she makes a significant contribution to the preservation, enrichment, and promotion of Sranantongo and cultural diversity in the Netherlands. Additionally, she has been active for the Sophiedela Foundation since 1986. This foundation is dedicated to the full participation of African-Caribbean women in the diaspora. Sophiedela was also involved in the creation of the National Monument to the History of Slavery.
Damir Brdanović (OON)
Damir Brdanović has made a lasting impact worldwide on access to clean drinking water and sanitation. From his early work in the former Yugoslavia to the construction of a drinking water treatment plant in Accra, he gave millions of people a prospect of health and dignity. As a professor at IHE Delft and TU Delft, he shaped generations of professionals and revolutionized international education, which even Bill Gates acknowledged. With inventions such as the Shit Killer and the MEDiLOO, he continues to pioneer with courage, creativity, and humanity, strengthening opportunities for thousands of students worldwide.
Carel (Carolus Petrus Ludovicus) Cames van Batenburg (LON)
Carel Cames van Batenburg has been active as an organist since 1970. He taught himself the craft through self-study. He plays in various churches in the region of The Hague and Leiden. He accompanies the Papal Mass in The Hague annually. He is also the titular organist of the Walloon Church, where he plays weekly. He specialized in French organ music of the 19th and 20th centuries and, after thorough study, built his own organ.
Lall (Sewradje) Chotoe (LON)
Sewradje Chotoe has been active for over forty years for the Socio-Cultural Association Isara, which is dedicated to preserving cultural traditions within the Surinamese-Hindu community. In addition to his administrative duties, he organizes cultural and educational activities and supports members of the community. The meals are also in good hands with him and are a highlight of the week for many members: he does the shopping, cooks, and works behind the bar. Meanwhile, he also helps with the maintenance of the building and ensures that daily operations run smoothly. He works twenty hours a week for Isara and his motto is: ‘If we do it together, we will always succeed’.
Throughout her life, Gladys Dettmeijer has dedicated herself to sports clubs with exceptional devotion. From the 1970s onwards, she held board, coaching, and refereeing roles at various hockey clubs, including HHIJC, Klein Zwitserland, and Te Werve, and was active within the KNHB for 35 years. Additionally, she contributed to the neighborhood newspaper of Northern Scheveningen. For the past fifteen years, she has been a fixture at Tennis Club De Aeronauten and plays a key role at Bridge Club Replay. Her tireless commitment makes her an indispensable pillar of support for many clubs and their societal significance.
Willem (Wilhelmus Johannes François) Donkers (RON)
Willem Donkers has dedicated his entire career to connecting people and creating opportunities, both in international aid organizations and in education. Since 2000, he has been a driving force behind Local Heroes – Running for Africa, where he inspires young people and sets up sponsorship projects. His commitment led to a lasting partnership with the Rijnlands Lyceum and to concrete improvements in Kenya and Tanzania, including educational and sports facilities for talented girls. Furthermore, since 2022, he has been a valued volunteer at Pulchri Studio. His involvement demonstrates how one person can make a difference.
Paul (Willem) Baptism (RON)
Paul Doop has built an impressive career in which responsibility, vision, and social commitment are central. As an administrator of the University of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, he professionalized the organization and laid the foundation for sustainable campus development. At the Amsterdam Economic Board, he fostered collaboration between knowledge institutions, government, and the business community. He brought stability to the NPO and dedicated himself for years on an unpaid basis to the Dutch National Opera and the Anne Frank Foundation. Within the Netherlands Court of Audit, he played a key role for twenty years in strategic investigations and collegial governance.
Inge Drost (RON)
Inge Drost has dedicated herself with great commitment to the Armenian community in the Netherlands for over forty years. Within the Armenian Cultural Association Abovian, she has played a key role as an organizer and trusted point of contact since 1985. As secretary of the Federation of Armenian Organizations in the Netherlands, she strengthens cooperation within the diaspora and maintains contacts with political and civil society partners. A special part of her commitment is her leading role in the 24 April Committee, where she shapes the annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. Her precision, tenacity, and commitment make her an indispensable bridge-builder.
Martin (Martinus Adrianus) Duivesteijn (LON)
Martin Duivesteijn is a native of The Hague who has dedicated himself to vulnerable residents of his city for decades. With great commitment and strong financial acumen, he served as treasurer of the Biesieklette foundation for sixteen years, which, thanks in part to him, grew into a professional social organization. Additionally, he has held the same role at the Haagse Soepbus for 28 years. He is also treasurer and secretary of the Stichting Vrienden van Kesslerperspectief and active as a volunteer at the Voedselbank Haaglanden. He is always ready to lend a hand: if necessary, he heads out with the Soepbus himself.
Axel Franken (RON)
Axel Franken is a passionate ocularist and owner of the Kunstogenlaboratorium in The Hague. For over 25 years, he has been helping people who have lost an eye with a lifelike eye prosthesis, restoring their self-confidence and quality of life. His work is praised for its exceptional precision and beauty, but above all for his attention to the person behind the patient. Axel Franken actively shares his expertise through training, media, and international missions, among other channels. For instance, he also dedicates himself to patients in Malawi at his own expense.
Ron (Ronald Petrus Johannes) Geenen (RON)
For 44 years, Ron Geenen has continuously dedicated himself to the well-being of defence employees at the Ministry of Defence. For the last 14 years, he has done so as Director of the Spiritual Care Services, where he strengthened the position and significance of chaplains. He is known as a connector, including in his role as independent chairman of a multi-religious board. Previously, he founded the Reintegration Service Centre, helped personnel who had dropped out return to service, was a co-founder of the Multicultural Network Defence Foundation, a board member of Fonds KL 1940, and active within the Committee on Undesirable Behaviour.
Johan (Johannes Maria) Gelauf (RON)
Johan Gelauf dedicated his life to education and equal opportunities. As head of the Maria Primary School in the Schilderswijk district, he championed pupils with language difficulties. His greatest impact lies in Kenya, where he founded the Elimu Holland Helpt Kenia foundation in 2002 and, through tireless dedication, established a complete school, technical training, and an extensive scholarship program. Thanks to him, over 800 children were able to attend secondary school, and many are now progressing to higher education. After 23 years, he passed the baton, but his life’s work lives on in Manda, where the school bears his name.
The Hamerslag couple is being honored for their years of heartwarming dedication to the elderly in The Hague. Despite their advanced age – he 90, she 89 – since 2018 they have supported the activities of the Verzilveren Foundation twice a week, ranging from coffee mornings and bingo to lunches, dinners, and an annual boat trip. They pick up participants, help with cleaning, do grocery shopping, and deliver soup in the neighborhood. Prior to that, they were active as volunteers for fourteen years at the Loosduinse Hof and the Wijndaelercentrum, where they accompanied residents and supported activities. With their warmth, time, and attention, they bring invaluable value to the lives of many elderly people.
Theo (Theodorus Josephus Maria) Heere (LON)
Within Buurtschap 2005, Theo Heere served as treasurer and has been chairman since 2009. In this role, he brings entrepreneurs, residents, and the municipality together and was involved in the Business Investment Zone for the Denneweg. He also organizes neighborhood activities, such as gatherings for the elderly and the annual Christmas tree on the Voorhout. Additionally, he is secretary of the Friends of the Friezenkerk in Rome foundation and chairman of the Atrium foundation, where he contributes to cultural and social activities.
Mostafa Hilali (ROZ)
Mostafa Hilali is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Netherlands Army and co-founder of Islamic chaplaincy within Defence. He played a key role in integrating Islamic guidelines, organizing the Defence Iftar, and promoting diversity and inclusion. He also encouraged young people with a bicultural background to choose government service and established programs against racism and discrimination. Additionally, he held various volunteer positions, including with Humanity in Action, the Atlantic Commission, and the Facebook community *Niet mijn islam!*. Furthermore, he is active with the Red Cross, the Yalla! Foundation, and the Saïd & Lody Foundation, where he is committed to dialogue, connection, and preventing polarization and exclusion. Mostafa Hilali embodies the values of connectedness, mutual understanding, and respect at a time when this is more important than ever.
Cobi Hoorweg-Klein (LON)
Cobi Hoorweg has been a volunteer at Slachtofferhulp Nederland since 2008. In her role as General Services Officer, she has consistently dedicated herself to the interests of victims and made a valuable contribution to the development and professionalization of the organization. She focuses particularly on victims of sexual offenses and provides support to bereaved relatives of suicide victims. For colleagues and peer support groups, she is a source of information, working with patience and empathy.
Maammar el Jabli (LON)
Maammar el Jabli has been involved with the Buurtvaders Schilderswijk-West since its inception in 2000, serving as co-founder and treasurer. What began as a response to concerns about youth and crime has grown into a long-term commitment to fostering connection within the neighborhood. These volunteers are regularly visibly present, engage with people, and maintain order, even at times when this is not a given. Mr. El Jabli is also treasurer at the residents’ organization De Paraplu and previously held the same position at football clubs GSC Esdo and HMC.
Bert (Berend Jan) Klerk (RON)
Bert Klerk has made a significant contribution to the sustainability of mobility and the development of electric transport in the Netherlands. From executive positions at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Municipality of The Hague, and ProRail, among others, he worked on innovation with a forward-looking perspective. Following health problems, he continued to dedicate himself to electric transport, mostly as a volunteer. As chairman of the Formula E team, he brought public and private parties together and contributed to the Climate Agreement and a future-proof charging infrastructure. In addition, he was active as a volunteer at cultural institutions and served as chairman of the Hague hockey club HDS for five years.
Hans (Johannes) Koster (LON)
Hans Koster has played a central role in church life in Mariahoeve for over forty years. He was active in the Reformed parish of Kruispunt and later in the Kruispuntgemeenschap foundation. As secretary, he is the organizational linchpin: he handles administration and newsletters, creates schedules, compiles liturgies, and arranges for preachers, despite the absence of a permanent minister. Additionally, he leads services himself when necessary, serves as organist and cantor, organizes congregational evenings, maintains ecumenical contacts, and leads retreats. His commitment is broad, long-lasting, and usually modest, but of great significance to the community.
Arnoud (Philip) Krever (LON)
Since 2004, Arnoud Krever has dedicated himself to others in an exceptional and entirely unpaid manner. He does this, among other things, by walking pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela for people who are unable to do so themselves. He has now walked the route 35 times, sometimes at the request of people who cannot do it themselves or at the request of their acquaintances. The length of an average trip is 500 kilometers. Along the way, he also mapped the flora along the Camino, resulting in a collection of 1,200 plants that are housed on a website and attract worldwide attention. He delved into the church’s rules regarding vicarious pilgrimage and made his knowledge of the Camino accessible to others. In doing so, he is also a key figure for the Dutch Society of Saint James.
Kemal Kuru (LON)
In 2000, Kemal Kuru was one of the initiators behind the organization Buurtvaders Schilderswijk West. These residents combat nuisance and insecurity through regular patrols and intervention at high-risk moments. They function as role models in the neighborhood, address young people about their behavior when necessary, and maintain contact with the municipality and the police. Their work requires courage and perseverance, especially when tensions rise, but they remain tirelessly committed. In addition, Kemal Kuru has been active at community center De Octopus and neighborhood organization Transvaal.
Wim (Willem Pieter) Baron van Lawick van Pabst (RON)
Wim Baron van Lawick van PabstHe is a socially driven physician and venture capitalist with a clear moral compass. His medical education in Leiden and an MBA in Fontainebleau formed the foundation for his company, MedSciences Capital, through which he supports biomedical start-ups. In doing so, he prioritizes potential health benefits for patients over market norms. This has led to innovations such as the focusing Lumina artificial lens, an advanced heart pump from PulseCath, and transplantation technology from OrganAssist. He has also dedicated himself selflessly for years to various social, cultural, and church initiatives.
Joop (Johannes Albertus Maria) Ledeboer (LON)
Joop Ledeboer held many volunteer positions within the Protestant Congregation of Leidschendam & Leidschenveen, including as (youth) elder, secretary, sexton, and deliverer of church newsletters. In addition, he served for many years as treasurer of the De Salamander sawmill and was active in public activities of this foundation. Since 2014, he has been the head coordinator of the Leidschenveen Food Bank Distribution Point, which he established himself. Despite his age of 81, he is present weekly, collects donations, maintains contacts with shops, and organizes fundraising campaigns. He is known as an amiable, empathetic, and approachable person with a keen eye for his fellow man. His calm, committed demeanor and tireless dedication make him an indispensable volunteer.
Richard Leloux (RON)
Richard Leloux has been associated with Scouting Ferguson for 57 years, where he started as a Cub at the age of eight. For decades, he dedicated himself to scouting as a volunteer, including as a leader and team leader for the Explorers, as a game leader at the district level, and as a leader for the Beavers. He also served as chairman of the scouting association and a member of the foundation board. In addition, he performed numerous other duties and remains active as an expert confidential counsellor. His long-standing involvement, experience, and dedication make him a highly valued asset within the association.
Izaak Luteijn (LON)
Izaak Luteijn has been an indispensable force in The Hague’s sports world for over forty years. At korfball club ALO, he has been responsible for results and maintenance since the 1980s, and made a significant contribution to the reconstruction following the fire. He also laid the foundation for the first ALO website. Since 1997, he has been active at The Hague Roadrunners, where he has held various positions, from referee to board member and match secretary. In addition, he remains an avid runner himself and has set several club records. His long-standing dedication and commitment make him a pillar of support for both clubs.
Loek (Laurens Cornelis) van der Marel (LON)
Loek van der Marel has been a volunteer at Slachtofferhulp Nederland for eighteen years and often works on-call shifts. As a result, he is often the first person a victim contacts. He also supported many victims of the Tarwekamp explosion. He is a valued mentor to new colleagues.
Janine (Janny Gerda) Marseille-Smit (LON)
At 98, Janine Marseille is still a volunteer with a capital V. From 1976 to 2001, she organized the autumn sale at the Bonneterie for the benefit of UNICEF, where she managed to quintuple the proceeds and persuaded many Dutch celebrities to come and perform. For 25 years, she presented a diverse program for Hospital Broadcasting Phoenix, touching listeners with her warm voice and personality. She has done a great deal of work for the Grand Cru Jeu de Boules Club for 30 years. She can also be found weekly at the Mr Visserhuis, where she reads aloud from her own work to people with dementia. It is striking how well the stories resonate with the residents’ world of experience there. Closer to home, she also regularly reads to her blind neighbor.
Diane Messemaker-Beck (LON)
Diane Messemaker has worked as a social worker at Wijkz since 1999, where she is particularly dedicated to children’s and girls’ work in Moerwijk. She organizes activities, offers group coaching, and supports parents in an accessible manner. She does not shy away from difficult conversations and actively seeks out people who are isolated. She was instrumental in the founding of the children’s and teenagers’ council and encourages young people to contribute to their neighborhood. To many, she is more than a professional: she is described as a power woman who lives by her motto that everyone matters. Even in her free time, nothing is too much trouble for her when it comes to assisting those who need it.
Koos (Gerardus Johannes) Mulder (LON)
Koos Mulder has been selflessly dedicating himself to his community for years. Previously as a volunteer at a football club, and since 2015 in Transvaal Zuid, where he cleans up litter six days a week and visibly improves the quality of life. Armed with a grabber and garbage bag, he keeps streets and an adopted waste container clean and calls in the municipality when necessary. He is a familiar and appreciated face in the neighborhood and even dedicates his time off, including to keeping the schoolyard of vocational school De Einder clean and tidy.
Abderrahmane el Ousrouti (LON)
Abderrahmane el Ousrouti is one of the founders and chairman of Buurtvaders Schilderswijk-West. For more than twenty-five years, this committed resident has actively dedicated himself to safety and solidarity in his neighborhood. Through regular patrols and intervention during tense situations, the Buurtvaders engage with young people, seek connection, and maintain contact with the municipality and police in the event of problems. Additionally, Abderrahmane El Ousrouti has been a volunteer and board member of the residents’ organization De Paraplu since 2007. He enjoys great respect in his neighborhood and is even regarded as ‘the mayor of Schilderswijk’.
Brahim al Ousrouti (LON)
Brahim al Ousrouti is a familiar face in Schilderswijk-West and is active there, among other things, as a Neighborhood Father, an organization he helped found. As a committed volunteer, he contributes to a safe and livable neighborhood by being regularly present on the streets. At crucial moments, the Neighborhood Fathers know how to maintain calm and connect with young people. With a combination of understanding, approachability, and steadfastness, they fulfill an important connecting role in the neighborhood. Brahim Al Ousrouti is also a volunteer at the residents’ organization De Paraplu, for which he delivers stacks of flyers, among other things—almost always by bicycle.
Hamid el Ousrouti (LON)
Hamid el Ousrouti, along with others, was a co-founder of the Buurtvaders Schilderswijk‑West. This group of volunteers has formed a stable and trusted presence in the neighborhood since 2000. Arising from concerns about nuisance and crime, the Buurtvaders chose action rather than waiting. Their consistent presence, understanding attitude, and willingness to speak to young people in difficult situations make them an indispensable link in the district. Hamid El Ousrouti is also active with the residents’ organization De Paraplu and is one of the driving forces behind the Buitenspeeldagen (Outdoor Play Days).
Mohamed Satar Ozir (LON)
Mohamed Ozir has dedicated himself with great devotion to the Surinamese-Islamic community in the Netherlands for more than forty years. Within the Islamic Society of the Netherlands, he fulfilled diverse roles, from board member to religious leader, and offered support during prayers, mourning, and spiritual care. Even at an advanced age, he remains actively involved in religious celebrations. His commitment extends beyond the Netherlands: in Suriname, he played a unifying role during a turbulent period and helped raise funds for a new mosque. His life is dedicated to service, wisdom, and strengthening communities.
Sjantipersad Paragh (LON)
Sjantipersad Paragh has been an important spiritual leader within the Dutch Hindu community as a pandit for over thirty years. He delivers weekly spiritual lectures in temples in The Hague, Amsterdam, and Almere. He has officiated at more than a thousand weddings, guided countless ceremonies, and performed many thousands of Vedic rituals. Pandit Paragh supports families during times of joy, illness, and loss, visits the elderly, and provides ongoing aftercare. Additionally, he is chairman of the Krishna Mandir Amsterdam, vice-chairman of the Council of Priests in the Netherlands, and a trainer of young pandits, with an emphasis on Vedic Sanskrit, rituals, and ethical leadership.
Hans (Nicolaas Johannes) van der Pot (LON)
Hans van der Pot has been associated with football club SV’35, later SVC’08, since his youth, where he was active for decades as a player and volunteer. He has been a member of the team committee since 1986. He has officiated over a thousand matches as a referee, selflessly transported equipment for youth camps, and is treasurer of Friends of SVC’08. In addition, he supports needy members of the Betlehem Church and volunteers with the prison chaplaincy at Scheveningen Prison, where he assists inmates and offers a listening ear.
Hans (Chanderhas Sharma) Ramautar (LON)
As a pioneer, Hans Ramautar laid a lasting foundation for childcare and education within the Hindustani community in The Hague. With the establishment of the Seva Kinderopvang Foundation, he built a professional organization with ten locations, more than five hundred children, and over one hundred employees. In addition, he fulfilled countless roles within organizations for Hindustani education, preschool care, and student transport, where he was indispensable as a board member, advisor, and connector. Driven by the principle of ‘seva’ – service – he offered opportunities to generations of children and strengthened institutions that sustain the community.
Judith Reuter-Bruins (LON)
Judith Reuter has been the driving force behind the Hague women’s choir Happy Together for over 25 years. As chair, she coordinates the board, leads meetings, and ensures an open, decisive, and enthusiastic way of working. In addition, for over twenty years she has been a dedicated and committed volunteer at the Attention Centre for Socially Vulnerable Residents, where she is present weekly and handles purchasing. She has also been performing indispensable duties within the library and dishwashing committees at the Kloosterkerk for many years.
Marguerite (Cornélie) Spaa-van der Winden (LON)
For years, Marguerite Spaa combined her work as an independent psychologist with volunteer work for Slachtofferhulp Nederland (Victim Support Netherlands). She has been doing this for twenty years and is particularly active as a specialist in sexual offenses. Justice is the common thread in her life, and she often takes the extra step necessary to help victims.
John (Johannes Martinus) Stienen (RON)
John Stienen transformed a personal quest into a years-long dedication to reconstructing the fate of Jewish mental health patients who were deported from Dutch institutions and murdered during World War II. His research into Groot Gaffel, Zutphen, and Het Apeldoornsche Bosch, among others, brought forgotten lives into focus and provided clarity to surviving relatives eighty years later. His work constitutes a valuable contribution to the Digital Jewish Monument and to historical knowledge regarding these crimes. Additionally, he was active for the Spoetnik Foundation, the Soviet War Cemetery Foundation, and as an election observer. He restores dignity to those who no longer had a voice.
Jan Willem Thijs (LON)
Jan Willem Thijs has dedicated himself to the church and community with great devotion since the 1970s. As a youth elder at the Duinzichtkerk, he built innovative youth ministry and played a key role in the collaboration between the two congregations. To this day, as an elder and chairman of the Building Committee, he contributes to the maintenance and accessibility of the church building. Additionally, as a member of the Board of Churchwardens, he manages the real estate of the Protestant Church of The Hague and supports the Ecumenical Attention Centre. His commitment is unconditional, people-oriented, and of lasting value.
Jos (Jozef Gerardus Maria) Timmer (RON)
Jos Timmer has been a driving force in The Hague’s korfball world for over 25 years. At korfball club Futura and later SV Dunas, he held countless positions, from committee member to chairman, and played a key role in the merger and professionalization of the new club. Thanks to his efforts, Dunas has become fully sustainable, and he maintains contact with the municipality. In addition, he is chairman of the Hague Korfball Masters foundation, the face of the The Hague Korfball Days, and has been active within the KNKV Northwest district for over ten years. His commitment makes him a true ‘Mister Korfball’.
Dick (Dirk Willem) Venemans (LON)
Mr. Venemans has dedicated himself to the Maranatha Church in The Hague for more than forty years. As an elder and church treasurer, he managed finances, maintenance, and material matters with great care, even during a major renovation. In addition, he led the district church council and maintained valuable contacts with other faith communities. His many practical contributions, from the annual bazaar to countless odd jobs, make him indispensable. Furthermore, since 1998, he has been active at the The Hague Public Transport Museum, where he organized and made accessible the object archive. His dedication, even at an advanced age, is rightly appreciated with this distinction.
Josephine (Josephina Adriana) de Vijlder (LON)
Josephine de Vijlder worked in the travel industry until her retirement. She is receiving an award for her social contributions since 1995. Josephine de Vijlder dedicates herself to helping others in various ways. For instance, she has been involved with the Ecumenical Attention Centre since 2012, where, as a hostess, she gives people the attention they need. Additionally, she handles public relations and recruiting new volunteers. The annual outings she organizes are also a highlight for many people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she took the initiative for a cycling club, which grew into an annual multi-day trip. She is also active for the neighborhood bus ‘Stap in’, where she coordinates the schedule as secretary. She is involved as a minute-taker for the TUI Netherlands pensioners’ association, where she is a welcome guest at meetings due to her legendary stories. She has also been active with the VvE Couperusduin for over thirty years.
Willemien (Willemina Jacqueline) de Vlieger-Moll (RON)
Willemien De Vlieger is being honored for her broad and long-standing commitment to church, culture, and society in The Hague. As a deacon of the Duinzichtkerk, she gave shape and inspiration to diaconal work and initiated the Emergency Fund for people in need. Later, she played a key role within the diaconate of the Protestant congregation and worked closely with the Stek Foundation. In addition, she contributes to cultural life as editor-in-chief of a neighborhood magazine, as secretary of Muzee Scheveningen and the Silver in Motion Foundation, and as chair of the Grote or Sint-Jacobuskerk. Her dedication and meticulousness make her indispensable.
Ronald Vrolijk (LON)
Ronald Vrolijk tirelessly dedicates himself to preserving the history surrounding the Ockenburg auxiliary airfield and the May days of 1940. As a co-founder of the Studiegroep Historisch Ockenburg, he conducts in-depth research, has reached out to veterans, speaks with surviving relatives, and helps families uncover the fate of fallen relatives. His meticulousness and respect are evident, among other things, in the rectification of an erroneous war burial. Additionally, he is active for the Atlantikwall Museum, organizes exhibitions, and supports commemorations. Through his work, he keeps stories alive and makes palpable how precious freedom is.
Roel (Roelof Jan Frits) van der Wal (LON)
Roel van der Wal is receiving a Royal Decoration for his long-standing commitment to The Hague and vulnerable communities. Since 1990, he has played a key role at the Vrienden van Den Haag, where he served as a member, secretary, and chairman, acting as a diplomatic and connecting dialogue partner for the municipality. Additionally, through Rainbow Den Haag, he works to open up discussions on sexual and gender diversity within migrant groups and supports LGBTI asylum seekers. As secretary of Creating Hope in Society, he also contributes to education and work projects in Uganda. His dedication makes him a valued asset to the city and society.
Sylvia (Lea Augusta) Welij-Lahm (LON)
For Sylvia Lahm, Wednesdays have been dedicated to her work for Slachtofferhulp Nederland for twenty years. She handles information duties with ease, while simultaneously training new colleagues and volunteers. She is also very adept at getting ICT projects off the ground.
Tessy (Thérèse Isabelle Constance Marie Ghislaine) Wichers-Vos de Wael (LON)
For 25 years, Tessy Wichers has applied her motto ‘keep calm and carry on’ in her volunteer work for Slachtofferhulp Nederland. For many young victims of threats and abuse, she is a beacon of calm and a pillar of support.
Holke (Herman Maria) Wierema (LON)
Holke Wierema has been the driving force behind Emma’s Hof from the very beginning, a hidden city garden that became a reality thanks to his vision, tenacity, and craftsmanship. He helped shape the ambitious plan, secured nearly 1.5 million euros in funding, and subsequently helped build countless elements of the garden himself. As a board member, he has dedicated himself for fifteen years to preserving the values of Emma’s Hof, engaging new volunteers, and organizing connecting activities. His creativity, energy, and ability to bring people together make him an indispensable connector in the neighborhood.
Pjer (Petrus Franciscus Maria) Wijsman (LON)
Pjer Wijsman is a prominent and highly committed resident of Loosduinen. He represented residents and entrepreneurs and advised the municipal government. He did this as chairman of the Houtwijk Neighbourhood Council and also for over twenty years as chairman of the Loosduinen Committee. In addition, he was very active in sports, including as chairman and volunteer at swimming club HZ ZIAN and as a member of the Hague Advisory Council for Sport. Today, he dedicates himself to the preservation and transmission of the history of Loosduinen, as chairman and volunteer of the Oud Loosduinen Foundation and as a guide at the Loosduinen Museum.
Orlando (Orlando Stanley Alfredo) Winter (LON)
Orlando Winter is a visible and connecting figure in sports and community work in The Hague. He is known for his involvement with young people, including on the sidelines at football matches and as the founder of a football academy for underprivileged youth. He mentored young players at TEDO and was active at clubs such as VCS, Quick Step, and Robin Hood. Additionally, he dedicated himself to neighborhoods such as Schipperskwartier, Laak, and Transvaal, among other roles as chairman of a residents’ association, organizer of activities, and advocate for vulnerable residents.
Said Zibou (LON)
Said Zibou is one of the founders of the organization Buurtvaders Schilderswijk‑West. These committed residents have been working hard for stability and social control for over 25 years. Through regular walking routes and extra effort during busy or sensitive moments, they contribute to a safe living environment. Said Zibou, a sportsman at heart, also founded the sports club Ittihad, as well as the Association for Parent and Child. He passes on his sports experience to children in the neighborhood and lets them play a lot of football, soon even in a local version of the Champions League.
Jaap (Jacob Cornelis) Zoet (LON)
Through his volunteer work, Jaap Zoet connects nature and society in a unique way: from allotment gardening to tax assistance and supplying the food bank. He has been active at the De Zonnegaarde Allotment Association since 1999. He served as chairman there and also created a butterfly garden, bee meadow, toad pond, and marsh zone. This earned him the highest sustainability certification. He was also a quiet force for Staatsbosbeheer, performing a great deal of work for years: in the Haagse Bos and the Oostvaardersplassen. Since 2005, he has helped FNV members annually with filing their tax returns. Since 2014, he has also been a volunteer at the Wateringen Food Bank, where he works two to three half-days a week as a forklift driver, ensuring that supplies can be delivered.
