Clingendael Academy hosts new members of the Corps Diplomatique in the Hague

25 November 2025 marked the day of the annual Clingendael Academy seminar on the Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice. We were honoured to welcome twenty recently posted diplomats from various countries in The Hague. The purpose of the seminar is to make them familiar with the reputation of The Hague as the legal capital, as well as to make them and their families feel at home in their new posting. 

After opening words by our General Director Monika Sie Dian Ho and Dutch Ambassador Paul van den Ijssel, representatives of the Municipality in the Hague introduced the history of how The Hague acquired the reputation of International City Peace of Justice. Afterwards, participants were introduced to famous buildings, persons and affairs that are typical ‘Haags’ or Dutch – from the Hague, such as the city mascot Haagse Harrie, Sinterklaas and the Royal Family. Participants also received information on how to engage with the Municipality, along with practical information ranging from housing opportunities to social networks and associations. 

During the second half of the afternoon, participants received a course from experts working in key legal institutions, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). These discussions highlighted the critical work of these institutions in setting disputes and explored opportunities to further strengthen their cooperation with these organizations.

The Clingendael Institute was pleased to host this seminar once more and is looking forward to continuing the tradition of welcoming a new group of diplomats in 2026.