I have been a member of the Humanity Hub for over a year, and I have very much appreciated all the good work and the innovative thinking that goes on here! I am excited about working with the other members of the PAB to continue to bring members of the peace and justice community together and build even more connections among us. I feel like it’s critical that we bring all of our good thinking, our reach and our resources together to make a difference in this space. It feels like a critical time in this world for this kind of collaboration.

What do I like about the Humanity Hub? Having a lot of fun together! It’s a diverse group and I can’t wait to learn from the others, and also bring my thoughts to the conversations. Together, I’m sure we will come up with some great ideas for the community. We are also good listeners.. so we will surely be reaching to Hub members and beyond for their good ideas and inspiration too. I look forward to becoming better connected to like-minded people in The Hague too.

Joining the PAB was a natural decision for me, driven by a deep commitment to advancing The Hague Humanity Hub’s mission of fostering meaningful connections and collaborations. I am eager to contribute to the creation of impactful programming that not only benefits our immediate community but also enriches the broader ecosystem. My hope is that through collective effort, we can identify innovative opportunities that elevate the Hub’s value and relevance. Additionally, I am particularly passionate about supporting NGOs and their essential work, ensuring they have the resources and networks needed to thrive and make a lasting impact.

Simon is a conflict specialist with over 15 years of experience working in the Eurasia region as a diplomat, a programme manager, and as part of interstate peace processes with the OSCE. He is a skilled linguist and negotiator, highly effective working in sensitive political and military environments.

Serge has been working on change processes, innovation and sustainability over the past 15 years. Since 3 years from his own company, Polycentric. What fascinates him is how – despite all the technology, processes and systems – we as humans continue to make a difference. To achieve a fair, inclusive, sustainable world, in which we all have a part to play. And that’s what he is committed to.

–

The Hague Humanity Hub community’s collective energy and ambition to change the world for the better is for sure our main reason for wanting to be part of its ecosystem.

Jan coordinates the Global Transformations and Governance Challenges (GTGC) programme at Leiden University. Previously he has held positions at University of Sussex, Institute of Social Studies, University of Warwick, London School of Economics, University of Gothenburg, and University of Duisburg-Essen, as well as visiting positions in Britain, India, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Uganda, and USA. Jan’s research and policy work focuses on governing a global world, including in particular how citizens can connect with and influence global governance. Practically Jan has engaged especially with global economic governance and global internet governance. He was born in The Hague and moved back to the city in 2020 after half a century of wandering across the globe.

–

My favourite thing about the Humanity Hub: positive energies to make a better world.

Nadja is the co-founder and director of Human Rights in the Picture, a non-profit organisation advocating for human rights through visual storytelling. She is a human rights advocate who combines knowledge of international human rights law with a passion for art.

The African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” has been her compass for life. Inspired by a rich circle of international friends from a young age onwards, she followed my passion for social justice, sustainable development and good governance starting my career as advisor to one of Cambodia’s leading human rights organisations, followed by various programme management jobs at international non-profits (Oxfam Novib, CARE, Save the Children) as well as for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ethiopia.

After enriching work experiences on most SDG themes abroad and in the Netherlands, she came to appreciate the power of education. Embracing the value of applied science Maaike chose to join THUAS’ Centre of Expertise on Global Inclusive Learning: a fitting host for her drive for bringing great minds together to work in partnership on global challenges.

Maaike obtained a MA in political science / international relations, University of Amsterdam and holds a post-graduate certificate International Sustainable Development, University of Applied Science Leiden.

–

My favourite thing about the Humanity Hub is its yummy brownies to be shared with inspiring people sharing a passion for a peaceful and just world.