Conference Matters 143

INTERVIEW

experts at 'We're what our guests want' anticipating

have agreed to take turns holding a summit. The Netherlands, one of NATO’s founding mem bers, has never had the opportunity. The Nether lands was chosen to host the summit in 2025.” How does this summit differ from the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit? Is it bigger and more challenging? “Yes, in terms of the level of security, but not necessarily in terms of the number of govern ment officials. Ten years ago, the geopolitical situation was very different. Russia was then still a participant in the Nuclear Security Summit, while the 2025 NATO summit will take place in a context of increased tensions between NATO and Russia. That makes it much more difficult in terms of logistics and security,” explains Dingjan.

In this room, they’re planning a Champions League-level conference. In June 2025, the world’s leaders will be visiting The Hague, where host Dutchman Mark Rutte will be playing a home game. When did you come up with the idea? Was it a long time coming or did it happen unexpectedly? “The decision to hold a summit such as NATO is political. In 2014, we held the Nuclear Securi ty Summit with Obama in The Hague. At the time, we all thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Such a major event with 60 gover nment leaders and all of the associated secu rity measures wouldn’t happen again anytime soon. But then we were asked to host the NATO summit,” says Dingjan. “This is done gradually because there is no speci fic tender procedure. NATO member countries

The Hague is preparing to host the NATO sum mit in 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious events. Michiel Middendorf from World Forum The Hague and Robert Dingjan from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs share their insights into the logistical, diplomatic and security challenges during a candid conversation. It’s a long walk from the reception of World Forum The Hague to the special meeting room where the NATO summit will be held on 24 and 25 June 2025. With a sense of drama, you could call it the ‘operation room’. The photographer and I entered a large room with floor plans, construction dra wings and an inviting stack of croquette sand wiches. Michiel Middendorf, General Manager of World Forum The Hague, and Robert Dingjan, Operational Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed us. By Bas Hakker Photos: Willem Timmer

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