Registration has begun for The Hague International Day, taking place on Sunday, 19 September. During this event The Hague will demonstrate the city’s role as the international centre of peace and justice.

Six international organisations will open their doors to the public and more than 20 organisations will present their work at a special International Fair in The Hague City Hall. The International Day of Peace will also be celebrated, with an inspiring programme of debates in the Raadzaal (Council Chamber) of the City Hall and a memorable closing ceremony for The Hague War Child City Year will take place. The annual Message of Peace will be delivered by a specially invited guest.

According to Deputy Mayor Marjolein de Jong (International Affairs), "This is a unique chance for all residents of The Hague to take a peek behind the scenes at the organisations which are playing such an important role in the world and which we mainly know from the newspapers and evening news. Their buildings are often restricted to the public, such as the magnificent Peace Palace and the European Patent Office, which has the largest rooftop garden in the Netherlands. You should stop by the International Fair and the debating programme in City Hall. Here you’ll have every opportunity to become better informed and take part in discussions about how The Hague is working on peace, justice and security in the world."

The Hague International Day is an expanded version of the open day of the international organisations which attracted more than 3,000 visitors last year. New elements include the International Fair and the debating programme in City Hall. The six organisations which are opening their doors this year are the: International Court of Justice and Permanent Court of Arbitration (both in the Peace Palace), the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, International Criminal Court, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the European Patent Office. Organisations present at the International Fair include Europol, NATO, Eurojust and the Special Court for Sierra Leone.

The annual Feel at Home in The Hague – The International Community Fair 2010 will be taking place at the same time in the Atrium of City Hall for the more than 40,000 expats living and working in The Hague. Over 200 organisations will be present to provide information on services, events and clubs that are available to The Hague's Expats, Internationals and Internationally-minded locals.

Free shuttle buses will depart from City Hall during the day to take visitors to the various participating organisations. Only a limited number of people will be admitted to the international organisations; visitors can register via: www.denhaag.nl/internationalday.

For more details about the programme, visit www.denhaag.nl/internationalday.
 

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