Netherlands Armed Forces Receive Prestigious Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize

The Hague, 26 November 2024

“More than a hundred years ago, people had already realized that peacebuilding has many dimensions. Today, it is becoming increasingly clear that the international legal order, security and democracy must be safeguarded”.

The Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize, the second oldest Peace Prize in the world, will be awarded to the Netherlands Armed Forces 26 November 2024 at the Peace Palace. The Dutch Royal Navy, Royal Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Marechaussee are receiving this honor for their involvement in more than 80 peacekeeping missions worldwide.

The Netherlands Armed Forces play an essential role in the promotion of international peace and security. The Netherlands has participated in more than 80 peacekeeping missions since 1945 under the flags of the United Nations, NATO and the European Union. The Armed Forces not only provide military support but also contribute to civil aid. Dutch military personnel are often involved in building infrastructure, providing medical care, supporting local communities, training troops and establishing the rule of law. Currently Dutch troops are active in, amongst others, Lithuania, Iraq, Somalia, Mali, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Israel.

“The Netherlands Armed Forces contribute to global stability and peace in various ways, combining both military and humanitarian efforts,” states the jury of the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize. The jury report clarifies: “Long before the United Nations and UN peacekeeping missions existed, the Netherlands carried out their first peacekeeping mission in 1913 in Albania. In that same year the Peace Palace opened. This shows that, more than a hundred years ago, people had already realized that peacebuilding has many dimensions. Today, it is becoming increasingly clear that the international legal order, security and democracy must be safeguarded.

>>> Read the full Press Release on the Peace Palace website >>>

Award Ceremony to be live streamed

During the award ceremony, Dr. Tine Molendijk, an interdisciplinary cultural anthropologist specializing in military culture and ethics, and Prof. Lonneke Peperkamp, professor of military ethics and leadership, will highlight Dutch participation in peace missions from an external perspective. A musical intermezzo will be provided by the orchestra of the Royal Netherlands Airforce.

The ceremony can be followed online via a livestream. The link to the livestream can be found at the bottom of the event programme on the Peace Palace website.

Or use this link to go directly to the live streaming beginning at 4:30 pm CET: https://youtu.be/2vQ0kYoax0k