A celebration of diversity and strength!
Despite the notorious Dutch weather, this year’s Feel at Home International Community Fair welcomed 3,500 visitors to the City Hall in The Hague. Organised by The Hague Online, the fair provides newcomers and residents with a platform to network and to get to know the region.
At her opening address, Deputy Mayor Saskia Bruines said: “The city of The Hague has been a proud sponsor of the Feel at Home fair for many years. The fair is a celebration of the diversity and strength of the local international community.”
Diversity was indeed a recurring theme, with 17 cultural performances and 170 exhibitors ranging from schools and universities to sports and recreational groups. The atrium and other public areas were transformed into a diverse and comprehensive presentation for internationals who call The Hague region their home.
The Hague Talent Hub
With a special highlight on talent and career, The Hague International Centre hosted The Hague Talent Hub. The region’s business and innovation hubs: The Hague Humanity Hub, The Hague Security Delta, The Hague Tech, and Yes!Delft were invited to showcase their organisation and shed light on the many opportunities they offer. Eurojust, Europol and Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were also invited to share about their contribution to peace, justice and security.
The Raadzaal Lectures
The Council Room ‘Raadzaal’ hosted career-related lectures and debates by speakers from Erasmus University of Rotterdam, Eurojust, OPCW, and students from World Class The Hague and International Community Platform (ICP). Other programmes in the City Hall included a Children’s Theatre, a Community Centre with sports demonstrations and an international food court serving meals and snacks from Africa to Finland.
Visitors went home with an appreciation of the region and what it has to offer, as well as a better sense of community. We really enjoyed connecting with individuals in The Hague region and we hope to meet even more internationals at the next Feel at Home fair.
If you liked this fair, do check out the IamExpat Fair Amsterdam, coming up in April.