The Netherlands, a creative force for global peace
The Netherlands stands as a global pioneer in peace advocacy, with a rich tradition of nonviolent activism dating back decades. From massive Cold War nuclear disarmament protests to groundbreaking feminist peace initiatives, Dutch society has consistently championed diplomatic solutions to global conflicts. This peace culture is embodied in The Hague’s identity as the “International City of Peace and Justice” and the Dutch government’s commitment to multilateral cooperation. Women’s leadership has been particularly transformative, with Dutch organizations at the forefront of implementing UN Resolution 1325. This dedication to peace reflects core Dutch values of tolerance, pragmatism, and international solidarity.
Political system
The Netherlands is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with a prime minister serving as head of government and a monarch as head of state. Executive power is exercised by the Council of Ministers. Administratively, the country is divided into 12 provinces and 342 municipalities, as well as 21 regional water authorities (water boards), each governed by an executive board responsible for water management — a distinctive and historically significant part of Dutch governance.
In addition, the Kingdom of the Netherlands includes six Caribbean countries and territories, which are part of the Kingdom, but not members of the European Union.
Trade and Economy
The Netherlands is one of the strongest economies in the European Union, ranking third in GDP per capita at €48,900, significantly above the EU average of €37,600. The country contributes 6.3% of the EU’s total GDP, underscoring its vital role in the European and global economy.
Population18.080.828 (2025)
Capital: Amsterdam; Parliament and government are located in The Hague
EU Member State: since 1 January 1958
Central Bureau of Statistics
> cbs.nl
Government
Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) works every day to create a smart, skilled and creative Netherlands. A country where you can be yourself. A country where everyone can participate. Where you have the freedom to develop and express yourself. If everyone is given an equal opportunity, all talent in the Netherlands can flourish. From the smartest hands to the brightest minds.
> rijksoverheid.nl/ministeries/ministerie-van-onderwijs-cultuur-en-wetenschap
Eppo Bruins
Minister of Education, Culture and Science
> rijksoverheid.nl/eppo-bruins
United Nations
UNRIC
The United Nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC) represents the UN Department of International Communications in Western Europe and works with partners, civil society, the media, public institutions, the academic community, the private sector, think tanks and the creative community. UNRIC also provides communications advice to UN entities in Brussels and works with the institutions of the European Union.
> unric.org
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s): 17 goals for a more sustainable world
An end to poverty, inequality, injustice and climate change. That is the core of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the period 2015-2030. The Netherlands is working at home and abroad to achieve the goals.
> rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/ontwikkelingshulp/internationale-afspraken-ontwikkelingshulp
Anna Pot
National Coordinator Sustainable Development Goals
The National Coordinator promotes national implementation of the SDGs in and by the Netherlands. The Coordinator works closely with other ministries and organisations within the central government, as well as with the broad SDG movement in the Netherlands, including companies, municipalities and provinces, NGOs, youth organisations, knowledge and educational institutions.
> rijksoverheid.nl/pot-anna
SDG Nederland
SDG Netherlands is the movement of everyone in the Netherlands, which contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals. We are more than 1,400 social organizations, youth groups, municipalities, financial institutions, educational and knowledge institutions and residents’ networks.
> sdgnederland.nl
UNESCO
UNESCO in the Netherlands
Every country that is a member of UNESCO is required to establish a national UNESCO Commission. The Dutch Commission was established in 1947. Its members are experts in the four areas of the organization: Education, Science, Culture and Communication & Information. An office supports the Commission.
There are almost two hundred such Commissions worldwide. This network of experts that is permanently connected to the organization is unique within the family of UN organizations. UNESCO thus underlines the necessary input of civil society to achieve its objectives. The Dutch Commission receives its funding from the national government (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science), but the Commission members, the experts they work with and the supporting agency operate independently.
> unesco.nl
Kathleen Ferrier
Chairperson UNESCO Commission
Marielies Schelhaas
Secretary-director
> unesco.nl/nl/nederlandse-unesco-commissie
Cultural Vacancies
Cultural Vacancies is a vacancy site where employers in the arts and culture sector can post vacancies and internships. The site forms the link between employers and job seekers in the cultural sector. On our blog we write about the latest developments in the cultural sector and let people who work in the sector have their say.
> culturele-vacatures.nl