The Dutch city of The Hague is hoping to boost its image as the International City of Peace and Justice with the opening of a new international think tank today. Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright are among the high-profile guests attending a ceremony in the historic Ridderzaal to launch the Institute for Global Justice.
Funded by a government subsidy of more than 17 million euros, The Hague Institute for Global Justice (IGJ), aims to come up with concrete answers to international questions on issues where the lack of law and justice could lead to political, military, social or economic instability and inequality. Supported by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, it’s hoped the IGJ will become a leading international centre of knowledge.
Money well spent?
Critics say the 17.45 million euros made available by the Dutch government to establish the institute would have been better spent strengthening and expanding the city’s existing think tanks. But according to Maria van der Hoeven, former Minister for Economic Affairs, the IGJ will be an authoritative top institute in the field of peace, justice, security and development, making a vital contribution to the promotion of international justice. She said:
"We must strengthen what is already strong internationally. The IGJ will promote the profile of The Hague as an international city. In economic terms, this is welcome as it will boost the city’s appeal as a business base. Furthermore, it will have an economic spin-off for the city."
International allure
Her opinion is shared by the mayor of The Hague, Jozias van Aartsen, who believes the IGJ will provide the city with an institute of global importance.
"The strength of the existing institutes in The Hague relating to peace, justice, security and development will be combined and reinforced through the IGJ. The Hague will become the base for new knowledge, products and services that can provide a solution to the complex problems facing the world."
The IGJ says it hopes that by assembling the best multidisciplinary knowledge and expertise the world has to offer, it will establish a competitive position internationally.
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What the hell is Madeleine Albright doing there? Have we already forgotten about the half-a-million dead Iraqi children during the embargo, when she thought 'yes, their death was worth it'? Crime does pay, doesn't it? Some allure...inviting a murderer. For shame, Holland!
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