HagueTalks: How can we inspire communities to join in making change?

This Hague Talks features several speakers who are working to make the world a more peaceful and just place. They will tell their stories of their dreams, their obstacles and especially how they work to engage with their communities and inspire others to join them. 

This is the opening event for a five week long event during which organisations based in The Hague engage with Hague residents to show how they are working to make the world a more peaceful and just place.For many people ‘The Hague’ is just a concept, a slogan, even an ideal. But we all know that in fact it’s made up of a wide range of individuals – each with their own story – working to make the world a more just and peaceful place. Stories never go out of fashion. Where people came from, what obstacles they’ve had in their way, why it is that they have wanted to focus on peace or justice, what are their dreams – all these make up the rich tapestry of tales that can form the inspiration for this year’s Just Peace month of activities.

The Hague is known as the city of peace and justice, but how do local residents see these lofty concepts? How can we get our communities inspired to take action on big issues like climate change? What do you do when you want to make change in a conservative society; how do you get allies?

This Hague Talks features several speakers who are working to make the world a more peaceful and just place. They will tell their stories of their dreams, their obstacles and especially how they work to engage with their communities and inspire others to join them.

Event is opened by Saskia Bruines, vice mayor of the Hague.

ABOUT SPEAKERS

• Diane, LGTBI+ Human Rights Defender from the Shelter City project from Justice and Peace.
• Sjaak Kroes, The Hague City Poet. In his daily life, he is on the road outside, at his desk bicycle. On the street, in the woods or in dune parks.He looks at the world with a poetic eye.

Event moderator is Hajar Yakoubi. Hajar was 18 years old when elected, through a public campaign, to be the UN Youth Representative for the Netherlands for a term of two years. She worked on topics related to Human Rights and Security but also on issues related to the Climate Crisis, Polarisation, and more than anything: Youth Participation. Her personal goal is to get more young people included in places of decision making in politics.

Event is co-organised by The Hague Humanity Hub, Justice and Peace and Municipality The Hague.