Queen Máxima opens One Young World The Hague

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands welcomed global luminaries and young leaders to the ninth annual One Young World Summit in The Hague. The One Young World 2018 Opening Ceremony took place on 17 October in front of the iconic Peace Palace, the symbol of the International City of Peace and Justice. For four days, more than 1,800 young talents from more than 190 countries will be present in The Hague to look for solutions to global problems that affect their generation, such as climate change and human rights. This edition of the 'Davos of young people' is the largest One Young World conference ever. One Young World 2018 takes place in World Forum The Hague.

Opening statement

Queen Máxima gave a short opening statement during the opening ceremony: "Young leaders of the world gathered here at The Hague, the city of Peace and Justice. For the upcoming One Young World Summit I wish you inspiration, wisdom, new friendships for the future and perseverance in the tasks and challenges ahead of us! I declare open One Young World The Hague!". She did this in her capacity of special advocate of the United Nations Secretary General for Inclusive Development Financing and Honorary President of the global G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GFI) Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI). [caption id="attachment_15712" align="alignnone" width="750"] Upon arrival at the Peace Palace, the Queen was welcomed by the founders of One Young World Kate Robertson and David Jones, and Mayor of The Hague Pauline Krikke.[/caption]

Mayor Pauline Krikke

"May this city inspire you. And when you are back home again, inspire other people," said the Mayor of The Hague, Pauline Krikke. She encouraged delegates to do whatever it takes to make the world a better place--no matter who you are or where you come from. "Dare to differ, dare to act," said Krikke.

International Court of Justice

Delegates, Ambassadors and Counsellors were welcomed to the court which resolves disputes amongst nations by Abdulqawi Yusuf, President of the International Court of Justice. Yusuf urged all attendees to act as advocates of peace and justice, "You have the power to influence, especially if you stand as one. You have the power to set the trends." Carnegie Foundation Director, Erik de Baedts, highlighted the significance of the International Court of Justice: "Conflicts are no longer settled on battlefields, but in courtrooms. We can achieve peace through law." [caption id="attachment_15706" align="alignnone" width="750"] The Peace Palace - the international symbol of peace and justice - in The Hague was the unique setting for the opening ceremony of One Young World 2018.[/caption]

Bob Geldof

Next, Sir Bob Geldof, Counsellor of One Young World, honored the legacy of the late UN Secretary General and OYW Counsellor Kofi Annan, "Kofi believed that no target is too ambitious, as long as you empower people with ownership and get it done." [caption id="attachment_15719" align="alignnone" width="750"] For four days, more than 1,800 young talents from more than 190 countries gather in The Hague to look for solutions to global problems that affect their generation, such as climate change and human rights.[/caption]