The Hague & The SDGs

About The Hague

The Hague as a city is actively contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. These 17 ambitious goals have been implemented to solve global problems such as poverty, inequality, and injustice. The commitment of local governments is extremely important when it comes to the SDGs – they can only be achieved if there is local, national, and international cooperation. This is clearly reflected in The Hague. The municipality, organizations in the city, and residents are rolling up their sleeves to work together on a better future.

Global Goals Municipality

The Hague is known for its pivotal role in peace and justice. The city is home to many international organizations whose work contributes to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). From the International Criminal Court to the International Court of Justice and the many other institutions and organizations, our city is working towards a fairer world. As a result, The Hague proudly bears the title of 'UN City' and 'International City of Peace and Justice'.

In addition, The Hague is a 'Global Goals Municipality'. This means that The Hague is part of the Municipalities4GlobalGoals (Dutch only) campaign of the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG). The Hague has committed itself to actively contribute to the SDGs. At a local and administrative level, the municipality ensures that the objectives are translated into concrete actions within the city. Examples of how the municipality of The Hague contributes to achieving the goals can be found here.

SDG Houses

The 'SDG House Network' is a network consisting of several 'SDG Houses' which was launched in 2020. This network ensures that local communities can get involved and help each other to achieve the goals. The main focus is on informing, setting up collaborations between entrepreneurs, government, and education, all while supporting local initiatives and projects. This falls directly under SDG 17 'Partnerships for the Goals'.

There are several SDG Houses in The Netherlands, of which some are located in The Hague. In The Hague we have The Hague Humanity Hub, One Planet, The Peace Palace and Vereniging van Nederlandse Gemeenten. Other SDG Houses located in The Netherlands are Het Koninklijk Instituut voor de Tropen, Mondiaal Maastricht, Paleis Soestdijk, SDG House Hilversum, SDG Netwurk Fryslân, Stichting SBI, The Social Impact Factory and Alfa College.

SDG Houses in The Hague

The Hague Humanity Hub

The Hague Humanity Hub is located in the heart of The Hague and is a foundation that serves as a knowledge institution and a work and meeting place centered around sustainability. The Hub inspires collaborations between knowledge and educational institutions, national and local governments, non-profits, start-ups, and various international organizations. As an SDG House, The Hague Humanity Hub is committed to a sustainable, peaceful, and just world.

Museon-Omniversum & One Planet

Museon-Omniversum is a museum with collections and exhibitions about the future of our planet and its inhabitants. It is a learning environment where visitors of all ages can become aware of the issues concerning our future in an accessible and interactive way. By highlighting these themes from different scientific angles, visitors can embark on a journey of discovery and learn more about sustainable development and the SDGs. In addition, Museon-Omniversum has a permanent exhibition called One Planet where the SDGs are a focal point. One Planet addresses the sustainable development goals and visitors are encouraged to think about solutions for issues that affect the whole world.

The Peace Palace (SDG 16)

The Peace Palace in The Hague is the international symbol for 'Peace and Justice' and is perhaps the most important reason that The Hague is known worldwide as the city of peace and justice. The Peace Palace houses various institutions, such as the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Academy of International Law, and the Peace Palace library. It is also where you will find the International Court of Justice, the only judicial body of the United Nations located outside of New York. As an SDG House, the Peace Palace contributes to achieving the SDGs, with a focus on SDG 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions). It is committed to peaceful and inclusive societies and to ensure access to justice for all.

The Association of Netherlands Municipalities (SDG 11)

In addition to the various SDG Houses, The Hague is also home to the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG). The VNG helps municipalities by thinking collaboratively about important issues, helping with developments, and sharing knowledge. To make it clearly visible that the VNG is committed to sustainable development, the VNG building has been named an SDG House with a focus on SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities). This goal is seen as the starting point for the other goals that the VNG is committed to. The work of the VNG must contribute directly and indirectly to achieving these other goals. The VNG helps municipalities through the Municipalities4GlobalGoals campaign by offering support and advice in the local implementation of the goals. Other important activities are knowledge exchange, monitoring options, and organizing exchange meetings for administrators.

Organizations and Initiatives

Curious about what else is happening in The Hague? Visit the overview page 'All SDGs' where you will find organizations and initiatives from The Hague related to each SDG. Through the 'Initiatives' button in the menu bar you can stay informed about the latest news regarding the SDGs in The Hague.