“Listen to Us”: Conversation with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
By Allegra Baschiera
Photography by Lucie Mellon
On Tuesday the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted an interview with two THIMUN delegates from the NATO Council, as part of the Netherlands’ preparation for the NATO Summit in June. The communication officers, Anne Aarts and Adam Maghnouj conversed with two experienced delegates participating in the THIMUN NATO committee this year, about the engagement of the youthful generation in global politics and ensuring global security.
Why is THIMUN important?
The two delegates believed THIMUN to be an essential experience for today’s generation, as it is an opportunity for them to get involved with global politics, which will be needed when our generation is forced to “pick up all the disasters the previous generation created.”
Whilst some students may not recognize their direct interest in international relations, conferences such as these allow exploration of different roles such as delegate, chair, press, and administration. Moreover, the wide variety of councils and the range of topics proposed by the foundation fits all interests: from economics to security and healthcare.
Then, journalists asked the delegates what their one message to NATO on behalf of the young generation would be, to which they responded with “listen to us”, and “focus on the multiple realities” that construct our world. So students, remember that the work you engage in during this week is not for nothing— it builds the foundations for the leaders of tomorrow.
What is The Hague doing?
In addition to THIMUN, in The Hague multiple programs are organized to promote peace and education in global politics, within the local community and worldwide. To promote NATO in the Netherlands, Dutch residents, students, international institutions, non-profits, and cultural organizations, will have the opportunity to participate in the Road to Summit program, which exhibits similar goals to those that THIMUN aims to propagate to its students. As a significant component of the program, the Just Peace Festival 2025: A Call to Action will take place. During this festival, multiple stakeholders and the public will be able to partake in conversations about NATO’s role in global security and explore solutions to attain the goal of establishing global peace.
Another program established by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defense (in collaboration with multiple organizations and educational institutions) to publicize the NATO Summit in June is the NATO on Tour, where more engaging activities will be accessible to a broad audience, to increase reflection upon global safety and security. Some of these activities include sports gaming, a mobile photo exhibition about NATO, a theater tour and educational programs for secondary schools, as well as hosting research and debates sessions.
