Recap: The Hague Connect 2019

On 14 November, we welcomed our partners to The Hague Connect 2019: the annual partnership event of The Hague International Centre and The Hague Business Agency. Together with our connected employers, services providers and policy makers, we discussed the future of The Hague for internationals and we shared practical insights about talent, housing and education.

The programme: Important lessons & tasks at hand

We were pleased to welcome Leila Prnjavorc as the moderator of the event. During the first interactive panel discussion on the topic talent, the presence of and the capacity to attract new international talent to The Hague was emphasised. Nicole van Haelst of the International Community Platform talked about how The Hague will use artificial intelligence to attract international talent. Moreover, Christina Moreno, founder of She Matters, showed the audience that international talent encompasses more than just expats. She stressed the importance of the large number of highly educated refugees that have come to the Netherlands.

To attract more international talent, it is important to have attractive housing and neighbourhoods that suit the needs of internationals. Internationals often face difficulties in the current housing market. Erik Pasveer, Head of Urban Planning of the Municipality of The Hague, presented how the city centre and international zone will develop in the coming years. Nevertheless, these developments take time. For now, Marta Galano from Eurohome Relocation gave some practical insights from a housing consultant perspective.

Besides housing, international education remains an important factor. The pressure still increases for international schools. Arjan Kastelein, the new chairman of Rijnlands Lyceum, elaborated that the new International School Wassenaar will allow for growth. Similar to Eline Hausel of Young Expat Services, he stressed the importance of cooperation between international and Dutch education.

Deputy Mayor Saskia Bruines closed the event with a speech: “Together we make The Hague an attractive city for international companies and talent!’’

Thank you

The Hague International Centre is proud to have seen so many of our partners at The Hague Connect, thank you for attending. We want you to be our partner in creating a better The Hague for internationals! In 2020, we will be organising two events dedicated to our partners. We hope to see you there, to connect with us and with each other, because we need your skills and know-how to create an even more hospitable city for our foreign guests.