The CyberPeace Institute and PEP The Hague have launched a unique partnership with the support of the municipality of The Hague. Over the next two years, they will strengthen the digital resilience of 200 nonprofit organizations and their volunteers in The Hague. The two foundations will combine their expertise: the CyberPeace Institute will bring international cybersecurity knowledge and practical support, while PEP The Hague will leverage its strong network within the civil society to reach and support organizations in The Hague.
The collaboration focuses entirely on strengthening the digital foundation of The Hague’s civil society organizations: from training and awareness-raising to vulnerability detection and incident advisory services. Many organizations operate with limited resources, yet manage sensitive data and support vulnerable groups. This partnership gives them access to expertise that is often otherwise inaccessible. After a brief exploration, 19 nonprofits have already expressed interest in the offering.
Connection between The Hague companies and social organizations
In addition, work is underway to develop a sustainable collaboration model, actively connecting with businesses and funds in The Hague that want to contribute to the city. This way, after the initial phase, the approach can be further scaled up to the more than 3,000 community organizations and 185,000 volunteers in The Hague. Businesses in The Hague with a mature IT and cybersecurity department can contribute by providing volunteers, in line with their corporate social responsibility objectives.
The collaboration builds on the Beyond 125 conference, held at the Peace Palace in September 2024 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the city of peace and justice. During this conference, international leaders from nonprofits, governments, and businesses convened and launched an action plan to substantially increase the digital resilience of nonprofits worldwide in the coming years. This new Hague-based collaboration actively contributes to this plan.
Practical solutions
Gert-Jan Aleman, Managing Director of PEP The Hague: “Many non-profit organizations in The Hague work with vulnerable groups and sensitive data, but have little capacity for digital security. Cyberthreats therefore affect them directly. With the CyberPeace Institute, we can provide them with concrete support, from awareness raising to crisis assistance, so that their important work for the city can continue safely.”
Stéphane Duguin, director of the CyberPeace Institute: “Hundreds of organizations defend the most vulnerable in The Hague, but who defends them? We are proud of this partnership with PEP, which offers practical solutions. Whether you are a corporate cyber expert, responsible for the social impact of a Dutch company, or a philanthropist, this program enables you to directly protect the most vulnerable in The Hague.”
Targeted support for organizations in The Hague
Alderwoman Saskia Bruines (Economic Development): “The Hague nonprofits are the social heart of our city. They are supported by thousands of volunteers and play a crucial role in our community. With this partnership, we are working with PEP The Hague and the CyberPeace Institute to ensure that these organizations are better protected against digital threats. This is not only a necessity in these times, but also fits The Hague’s character as an international city of peace and justice.”
The initiative aligns seamlessly with the broader ambition of the municipality of The Hague to facilitate better protection for civil society organizations against digital threats. The municipality is working to create a Digitally Secure The Hague, taking an informal, proactive role. This includes connecting stakeholders and providing financial support for the start-up phase of new initiatives. A previous collaboration between the municipality, the CyberPeace Institute, and the Humanity Hub reached 150 humanitarian NGOs.
The CyberPeace Institute Foundation supports vulnerable civil society organizations worldwide and offers practical cybersecurity assistance, including through its CyberPeace Builders Program. This program connects cybersecurity professionals with understaffed nonprofits and has already helped over 600 organizations, thanks to a network of more than 1,400 volunteers and civil society organizations.
The PEP The Hague Foundation plays a central role as a connecting link between social organizations, volunteers, and the business community. PEP strengthens organizations through advice, training, and by connecting them within relevant networks and partnerships. At the same time, PEP supports companies in fulfilling their social responsibility and SROI obligations by connecting them with community initiatives. This creates sustainable partnerships in which knowledge, human resources, and resources are deployed for the city.
Interested organizations can register via pepdenhaag.nl/cyber
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Caption: From left to right: Alderwoman Saskia Bruines (Economic Development), Stéphane Duguin (Director of the CyberPeace Institute), and Gert-Jan Aleman (Managing Director of PEP The Hague) at the launch of the partnership. Photographer: Michel Mees / Municipality of The Hague.