An Interview with Hildemarij Fortanier Mesker on Supporting Diplomats and the International Community
The Hague, known as the international city of peace and justice, is home to a thriving ecosystem of international organisations and diplomatic missions, including more than 110 embassies and consulates and 520 international organisations that play a crucial role in the city’s economy and identity. Supporting this community—including diplomats, international professionals, and their families—The Hague International Centre is an essential part of the city’s role as a host.
In this interview, Hildemarij Fortanier Mesker, Department Head of International Affairs and Manager of The Hague International Centre, explains how the Centre helps internationals navigate practical matters, access services, and feel welcome and at home from the moment they arrive.
For readers who may not yet be familiar with the Centre, what role does The Hague International Centre play in supporting the international community in the region?
“The Hague has a long-standing international history. For centuries, the city has played a role on the global stage, and today it is widely recognised as the international city of Peace and Justice. With institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, as well as a large diplomatic community, that identity is deeply embedded in the city.
We are proud of that. But it is not shaped by institutions alone—it is brought to life every day by embassies, consulates, and international organisations that represent their countries and contribute to dialogue and cooperation.
As a host city, we see it as our responsibility to support that entire ecosystem. That means not only facilitating institutions, but also creating an environment in which diplomats and their families can live and work effectively, feel welcome, and find their way with ease.
The Hague International Centre plays a key role in that. It is a central point of contact where internationals can access services, information, and support. Although based in The Hague, we serve the wider region, so diplomats and internationals across the region can turn to us. In that way, we make the city’s international role tangible in everyday life.”
Support for International Newcomers and Their Families
“Relocating to another country is a major step, not only professionally but also personally. We see very clearly that the experience of spouses and partners is often decisive in whether people truly feel at home.
That is why we focus on supporting the whole household. We assist with municipal registration and provide guidance on housing, healthcare, education, learning Dutch, and employment opportunities for spouses and partners.
At the same time, we help people understand how systems work and where to turn for support. That clarity makes it easier to build a life here.
We work closely with ACCESS, whose volunteers often have personal experience as expats. That adds an important human perspective to the support we offer.
By combining practical guidance with attention to personal well-being, we help people make a strong start and feel connected more quickly.”
Municipal Registration
“One of the services we provide is facilitating municipal registration. Diplomats can choose to register with the municipality in addition to their registration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which often makes access to local services easier.
The process itself is straightforward and does not affect diplomatic privileges or immunities.
We also explain how registration relates to services such as DigiD, healthcare, and childcare. Especially in the first months after arrival, this kind of guidance helps people avoid unnecessary complications and find their way more quickly.”
Events and Community Building
“Feeling at home is not only about practical matters—it is also about connection.
That is why we organise events throughout the year. Our Welcome to The Hague events offer a practical introduction to living and working in the Netherlands, combined with the opportunity to meet others and explore the city.
Our Feel at Home events provide more in-depth support, for example through contact with experts on housing, childcare, and taxation.
We see that spouses and partners in particular benefit from these events. They help them build networks and find their own place, which is an important step in settling in.”
In what way does The Hague International Centre support the diplomatic community?
“The diplomatic community is central to The Hague’s international character, and we aim to ensure that diplomats and their families—including those based elsewhere in the region—can easily access the support they need.
We receive questions on topics such as registration, access to services like DigiD, and family-related matters. Spouses and partners often ask about employment, volunteering, or how to build their own networks.
Our role is to provide clarity and connect people to the right information. Because we work closely with municipal departments, national authorities, and partner organisations, we can guide people effectively.
At the same time, we actively gather feedback from the international community. That input is very valuable, as it helps us identify where improvements are needed—not only in our services, but also more broadly.”
Looking Beyond the Centre: Strengthening the International Environment
“The International Centre is part of a broader effort by the Municipality of The Hague to remain a strong and attractive international city.
In our work, we are not only focused on providing services, but also on representing the interests of the international community and ensuring that these are taken into account in policy and decision-making. We do this in close collaboration with partners at regional, national, and international level.
This collaboration is essential, because many of the topics that matter for internationals go beyond one organisation or level of government. Think, for example, of access to international education, housing, labour market opportunities for partners, or the availability of services in English.
By working together with municipalities in the region, national government, and international partners, we contribute to improving these conditions. At the same time, the experiences we gather through our daily contact with internationals help inform this work and ensure it remains closely connected to what people actually need.
In that way, we connect individual experiences to the bigger picture. We help to create an environment in which internationals can not only come to work, but also build a life and feel at home—and in doing so contribute to a strong and well-functioning international community.”
Stay Updated
“To stay informed, you can subscribe to our newsletter and follow The Hague International Centre on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. You are also very welcome to visit our website or stop by our helpdesk at City Hall. We look forward to meeting you there.”
