Editorial
The year 2024 marked a significant anniversary: the 125th commemoration of the First Hague Peace Conference. The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) was established during that conference, and celebrated this milestone with an extensive conference held on the premises of the Peace Palace. Since its founding, the PCA has handled numerous cases. In 2024 alone, it provided registry services in 243 cases, 51 of which were initiated in that year.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), also housed in the Peace Palace since its founding, had 196 cases registered on the Court’s General List at the end of the year 2024. In that increasingly busy judicial year, the ICJ held nine sets of hearings, handed down five decisions and issued 23 orders. At 31 December 2024, the number of cases entered in the Court’s General List stood at 24.
As the Carnegie Foundation, we support the Courts and the Academy not only through our expertise and services, but also by preserving and maintaining the Peace Palace itself. Both the iconic building, a monumental cultural heritage site, and its rich interior, are central to our mission. I am especially pleased that in 2024, we were able to restore many of the national gifts we have received since the Palace’s opening in 1913.
We also aim to make the many facets of the Peace Palace accessible to the outside world. Therefore, we are delighted by the growing number of visitors to our Visitors Centre, as well as the increasing number of press inquiries. The interest from such diverse audiences shows us that the Peace Palace is more than the sum of its institutions; it is the international symbol of “Peace through Law.” This has been the Palace’s motto since its opening in 1913. The motto not only offers hope and practical solutions for conflict resolution, it is also a mandate for us, the Carnegie Foundation, to preserve the Peace Palace in perpetuity for this purpose, just as Andrew Carnegie determined.
In November 2024, the board of the Carnegie Foundation awarded the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize to the Netherlands Armed Forces for their involvement in over 80 peacekeeping missions worldwide. The Chief of Defence, General Onno Eichelsheim, accepted the prize on behalf of the Armed Forces. During the award ceremony, he reflected in his acceptance speech on the artwork The Glorification of Peace by Luc Olivier Merson, which hangs in the Small Courtroom of the Peace Palace. Eichelsheim explained:
“Its colours are monochrome, and to me, this is a reminder that every generation has a chance to fill in the colours: to keep peace alive, to stand up against aggression and lawlessness; to make sure that the God of War is firmly held down under the feet of the Goddess of Peace.”
This perspective is reflected in the various institutions housed within the Peace Palace, each contributing to international law in its own unique way. While the Courts resolve conflicts peacefully and deliver justice, the Hague Academy of International Law invests in the diplomats and legal experts of tomorrow through its courses and international expertise. Our library supports the institutions within the Palace, as well as other external international organizations and visitors, with essential international publications and legal literature.
Together, these institutions embody the enduring relevance of the Peace Palace in today’s world. In an era marked by complex global challenges, the Peace Palace continues to serve international cooperation, justice, and the rule of law. It is both our honour and our responsibility to safeguard this unique institution and its legacy. In close collaboration with our partners, we shall continue to uphold the ideals upon which the Peace Palace was founded, ensuring that it remains a source of inspiration and a cornerstone of peaceful conflict resolution for generations to come, faithful to the vision of Andrew Carnegie.
Piet Hein Donner
Chairman Carnegie Foundation – Peace Palace
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Overview Peace Palace
The Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the United Nations International Court of Justice and The Hague Academy of International Law. These institutions are supported by the Library of the Peace Palace, one of the most prestigious libraries in its field. The Carnegie Foundation is the owner and manager of the Peace Palace.
The Peace Palace in Numbers
1259
People educated by The Hague Academy of International Law
39
Employees working at the Carnegie Foundation
6309
Loans registered Peace Palace Library
160000
Guests in the Visitors Centre
30
Educational programs
1122
Meetings hosted
22
External events hosted
20
Garden tours
220
Peace Palace Tours
The International Court of Justice
• Had 24 cases that entered in the Court’s General List.
• Was seized of 3 new contentious cases.
• Has registered 169 cases on its General List.
• Handed down 23 orders.
• Held public hearings in 9 cases.
• Handed down 5 decisions, including four judgments and one advisory opinion.
The Permanent Court of Justice
• During 2024, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) administered 243 cases, comprising:
– 7 inter-State arbitrations;
– 1 other inter-State proceedings;
– 114 investor-State arbitrations arising under bilateral/multilateral investment treaties or national investment laws;
– 114 arbitrations arising under contracts involving a State, intergovernmental organization, or other State entity;
– and7 other proceedings.
• Handled 51 requests related to its appointing authority services.
Permanent Court of Arbitration
The product of the 1899 Hague Peace Conference, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), was formally established by the 1899 Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes. The PCA was the first permanent intergovernmental organization to provide a forum for the resolution of international disputes through arbitration and other peaceful means, such as conciliation and fact-finding. Today, it is an intergovernmental organization with 125 Contracting Parties which provides a variety of dispute resolution services to the international community.
The PCA has a three-part organizational structure consisting of:
An Administrative Council, whose 125 Members act together to provide general guidance and direction to the PCA’s work, and supervise, along with the Secretary-General, the administration, budget, and expenditure of the organization. Pursuant to the PCA’s Founding Conventions, the PCA Administrative Council is composed of “the Diplomatic Representatives of the Signatory Powers accredited to The Hague and of the Netherlands Minister for Foreign Affairs, who will act as President”.
A panel of independent potential arbitrators known as the Members of the Court. Each Contracting Party is entitled to select up to four persons for a renewable six-year term. Parties to a dispute, when appointing arbitrators, as well as the Secretary-General when acting as appointing authority, may choose arbitrators from the list.
A Secretariat – known as the International Bureau – headed by the Secretary-General, Dr. Hab. Marcin Czepelak. The International Bureau consists of an experienced and diverse team of legal and administrative staff of various nationalities, who collectively speak more than 20 languages, including the six official languages of the United Nations. The primary function of the International Bureau is to provide administrative assistance in respect of arbitration, conciliation, and other dispute resolution proceedings, such as mass claims tribunals. It also services the meetings of the various governance bodies of the organization.
Examples of PCA highlights in 2024
- January 2024: Anniversary Conference at the PCA’s Vienna Office, “125 years of International Dispute Resolution at the Permanent Court of Arbitration”.
- June 2024: Third Congress of the Members of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Peace Palace
- July 2024: 125th Anniversary Commemorative Event in Singapore “125 Years of the PCA: A Retrospective and Exploration of New Frontiers”
- August 2024: The Republic of Vanuatu becomes the PCA’s 123rd Contracting Party
- September 2024: The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste becomes the PCA’s 124th Contracting Party
- October 2024: Anniversary Conference at the PCA’s Buenos Aires Office, “The evolution of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the fulfilment of its mission”
Case docket in 2024
In 2024, the PCA provided registry services in 243 cases, 51 of which were initiated that year.
The cases administered by the PCA in 2024 concern a variety of matters. The PCA continues to provide administrative support to inter-State disputes arising out of treaties and other rules of public international law. This past year, the PCA administered inter-State proceedings arising from the Indus Water Treaty, the Energy Charter Treaty, the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, and from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as proceedings under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. PCA-administered arbitrations (in particular, mixed arbitrations) in 2024 also covered a wide range of economic sectors, including, inter alia, oil and gas, mining and quarrying, construction, real estate, financial and insurance, electricity and power, telecommunications, agriculture, forestry and fishing, and transportation and storage. Outside of these matters, the PCA also administered proceedings involving various combinations of States, State-related entities, and international organizations.
Examples of cases administered by the PCA include:
Examples of Inter-State proceedings:
- UK-Sandeel (The European Union v. the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
- Energy Charter Treaty Arbitration (The Republic of Azerbaijan v. The Republic of Armenia)
- Indus Waters Treaty Arbitration (Pakistan v. India)
- Arbitration pursuant to Article 32 of the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union (The State of Qatar v. The United Arab Emirates)
- Dispute Concerning the Detention of Ukrainian Naval Vessels and Servicemen (Ukraine v. The Russian Federation)
Examples of Investor-State arbitrations:
- Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Germany) v. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
- Nord Stream 2 AG (Switzerland) v. The European Union
- (1) Chevron Corporation and (2) Texaco Petroleum Company (U.S.A) v. The Republic of Ecuador
Examples of other cases:
- J.P. Beemsterboer Food Traders B.V. (Netherlands) v. Caribbean Grain Srl (Dominican Republic)
- (1) Crescent Petroleum Company International Limited (U.A.E) and (2) Crescent Gas Corporation Limited v. National Iranian Oil Company (Iran)
In addition to its registry services, the PCA handled 51 requests related to its appointing authority services under the Arbitration Rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
Source: www.pca-cpa.org
International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and was established by the United Nations Charter in June 1945, after which it began its activities in April 1946. Its main task is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States (contentious function).
In addition, it may give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies (advisory function).
As at 31 December 2024, 196 cases have been registered on the Court’s General List
(including 165 contentious cases and 31 advisory proceedings).
Contentious cases
Only States may be Parties in contentious proceedings before the Court. The Court is competent to entertain a dispute only if the States concerned have accepted its jurisdiction in one or more of the following ways:
- By the conclusion between them of a special agreement to submit the dispute to the Court;
- By virtue of a jurisdictional clause inserted in a bilateral or multilateral treaty, whereby parties to the treaty agree that, in the event of a disagreement between them, one of them may refer the dispute to the Court. Over 300 treaties or conventions contain such a clause;
- Through declarations made by them under the Statute of the Court, whereby each has accepted the jurisdiction of the Court as compulsory in the event of a dispute with another State having made a similar declaration. On 31 December 2024 the declarations of 74 States were in force, out of 193 States parties to the Statute of the Court;
- If a State has not recognized the jurisdiction of the Court at the time when an application instituting proceedings is filed against it, that State has the possibility of accepting such jurisdiction subsequently, to enable the Court to entertain the case as of the date of acceptance (forum prorogatum).
Advisory opinions
The advisory procedure of the Court is open solely to international organizations. The only bodies at present authorized to request advisory opinions of the Court are five organs of the United Nations and 16 specialized agencies of the United Nations.
The Court consists of:
- 15 judges, who are each elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council for a nine-year term of office and may be re-elected. One third of the Court’s membership is renewed every three years.
- The President of the Court, Judge Nawaf Salam (Lebanon), and Vice-President of the Court, Judge Julia Sebutinde (Uganda), were elected to these posts on 6 February 2024. The President and the Vice-President are elected by their peers every three years by secret ballot. An absolute majority is required and there are no conditions of nationality.
- The Registrar of the Court, Mr Philippe Gautier (Belgium), was elected to this post by the Members of the Court on 22 May 2019 for a period of seven years from 1 August 2019. The Deputy-Registrar of the Court, Mr Jean-Pelé Fomété (Cameroon), was elected on 11 February 2013 for a period of seven years and re-elected on 20 February 2020 for a second term of seven years beginning on 1 April of the same year.
Judicial activity in 2024
During the period under review, the International Court of Justice experienced an increasingly busy judicial year, during which nine sets of public hearings were held:
- In the case concerning Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel), hearings on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by South Africa held on 11 and 12 January 2024;
- In the case concerning Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, hearings on the request for an advisory opinion held from 19 to 26 February 2024;
- In the case concerning Alleged Breaches of Certain International Obligations in respect of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Nicaragua v. Germany), hearings on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by Nicaragua held on 8 and 9 April 2024;
- In the case concerning Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Armenia v. Azerbaijan), hearings on the preliminary objections raised by Azerbaijan held from 15 to 19 April 2024;
- In the case concerning Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Azerbaijan v. Armenia), hearings on the preliminary objections raised by Armenia held from 22 to 26 April 2024;
- In the case concerning Embassy of Mexico in Quito (Mexico v. Ecuador), hearings on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by Mexico held on 30 April and 1 May 2024;
- In the case concerning Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel), hearings on the request for the modification of the Order indicating provisional measures of 28 March 2024 held on 16 and 17 May 2024;
- In the case concerning Land and Maritime Delimitation and Sovereignty over Islands (Gabon/Equatorial Guinea), hearings on the merits held from Monday 30 September to Friday 4 October 2024; and
- In the case concerning Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change (Request for Advisory Opinion), hearings held from Monday 2 to Friday 13 December 2024.
Decisions, Judgments and Advisory Opinions
The Court also handed down five decisions, including four Judgments and one Advisory Opinion (in chronological order):
- In the case concerning Application of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Ukraine v. Russian Federation), Judgment on the merits delivered on 31 January 2024;
- In the case concerning Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation: 32 States intervening), Judgment on the preliminary objections raised by the Russian Federation delivered on 2 February 2024;
- In the case concerning Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, Advisory Opinion delivered on 19 July 2024;
- In the case concerning Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Armenia v. Azerbaijan), Judgment on the preliminary objections raised by Azerbaijan delivered on 12 November 2024; and
- In the case concerning Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Azerbaijan v. Armenia), Judgment on the preliminary objections raised by Armenia delivered on 12 November 2024.
Orders
In addition, the Court, or its President, issued 23 Orders, 16 regarding time-limits. It furthermore rendered the following seven substantive Orders:
- By an Order dated 26 January 2024, the Court indicated provisional measures in the case concerning Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel);
- By an Order dated 28 March 2024, the Court indicated additional provisional measures in the case concerning Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel);
- By an Order dated 30 April 2024, the Court found that the circumstances were not such as to require it to exercise its power to indicate provisional measures in the case concerning Alleged Breaches of Certain International Obligations in respect of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Nicaragua v. Germany);
- By an Order dated 23 May 2024, the Court found that the circumstances were not such as to require it to exercise its power to indicate provisional measures in the case concerning the Embassy of Mexico in Quito (Mexico v. Ecuador);
- By an Order dated 24 May 2024, the Court reaffirmed its previous provisional measures and indicated further measures in the case concerning Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel);
- By an Order dated 3 July 2024 in the case concerning Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v. Myanmar), the Court decided that the declaration of intervention submitted by Maldives and the declaration of intervention submitted jointly by Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom were both admissible insofar as they concerned the construction of provisions of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; and
- By an Order dated 17 December 2024, the Court suspended the proceedings in the case concerning Questions of jurisdictional immunities of the State and measures of constraint against State-owned property (Germany v. Italy).
Contentious Cases
Finally, the Court was seized of the following three contentious cases:
- Alleged Breaches of Certain International Obligations in respect of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Nicaragua v. Germany);
- Embassy of Mexico in Quito (Mexico v. Ecuador);
- Glas Espinel (Ecuador v. Mexico).
In 2024, the Court was also requested by the General Assembly to give an advisory opinion in the case Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Cases entered in the Court’s General List in 2024
As at 31 December 2024, the number of cases entered in the Court’s General List stood
at 24. Of those cases, 21 were contentious and they involved 31 different State Parties:
- 4 African States (Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, South Africa, The Gambia)
- 4 Asia-Pacific States (Iran, Myanmar, ‘State of Palestine’, Syrian Arab Republic)
- 6 Eastern European States (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Ukraine)
- 8 Latin American and Caribbean States (Belize, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Venezuela)
- 9 Western European and other States (Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom , United States)
General List of cases as at 31 December 2024
General List of cases as at 31 December 2024:
Contentious cases:
- Gabčíkovo-Nagymaros Project (Hungary/Slovakia);
- Certain Iranian Assets (Islamic Republic of Iran v. United States of America);
- Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela);
- Alleged Violations of the 1955 Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights (Islamic Republic of Iran v. United States of America);
- Relocation of the United States Embassy to Jerusalem (Palestine v. United States of America);
- Guatemala’s Territorial, Insular and Maritime Claim (Guatemala/Belize);
- Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Gambia v. Myanmar);
- Land and Maritime Delimitation and Sovereignty over Islands (Gabon/Equatorial Guinea);
- Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Armenia v. Azerbaijan);
- Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Azerbaijan v. Armenia);
- Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine v. Russian Federation: 32 States intervening);
- Questions of Jurisdictional Immunities of the State and Measures of Constraint against State-Owned Property (Germany v. Italy);
- Request relating to the Return of Property Confiscated in Criminal Proceedings (Equatorial Guinea v. France);
- Sovereignty over the Sapodilla Cayes/Cayos Zapotillos (Belize v. Honduras);
- Application of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Canada and the Netherlands v. Syrian Arab Republic);
- Alleged Violations of State Immunities (Islamic Republic of Iran v. Canada);
- Aerial Incident of 8 January 2020 (Canada, Sweden, Ukraine and United Kingdom v. Islamic Republic of Iran);
- Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel);
- Alleged Breaches of Certain International Obligations in respect of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Nicaragua v. Germany);
- Embassy of Mexico in Quito (Mexico v. Ecuador);
- Glas Espinel (Ecuador v. Mexico).
Advisory proceedings:
- Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change;
- Right to Strike under ILO Convention No. 87;
- Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The Hague Academy of International Law
Regular Academy’s Activities
Winter Courses on International Law
The sixth session of the Winter Courses on International Law took place at the Peace Palace from 8 to 26 January 2024. 232 participants from 65 different countries were registered for this session. Among them, 44 were from Latin America and the Caribbean, 98 from Asia-Pacific, 24 from Africa, 8 from Eastern Europe, and 58 from Western Europe and other states. This session also welcomed numerous online participants. A significant milestone was the delivery of a course in Spanish for the first time in the Academy’s history, with simultaneous translation into French and English.
Summer Courses on Public and Private International Law
The Public International Law session was held from 8 to 26 July 2024. The Private International Law session took place from 29 July to 16 August 2024. A total of 567 participants from 96 different countries were present at the summer sessions. Of these, 336 attended the Public International Law and 231 the Private International Law sessions, with regional representation including 70 from Latin America and the Caribbean, 199 from Asia-Pacific, 58 from Africa, 49 from Eastern Europe, and 191 from Western Europe and other states.
Center for Studies and Research
In 2024, the Center for Studies and Research on International Law and International Relations was held from 19 August to 6 September. Directed by Professors Giulio Bartolini (University of Roma Tre) and Anne Lagerwall (Université libre de Bruxelles), the Center focused on the theme of “Institutions Facing International Crises.”
Competitions
Day of Crisis Competition
The Academy organised the third edition of the “Day of Crisis” competition in 2024. This event was generously funded by the law firm Simmons & Simmons and supported by The Hague University of Applied Sciences, which provided working spaces.
The twelve teams selected for this edition were: Georgetown University Law Center (USA); Allameh Tabataba’i University (Iran); Université Grenoble Alpes (France); Université Paris Cité (France); Maastricht University (Netherlands); Universidad de la Sabana (Colombia); Shahid Beheshti University (Iran); Freie Universität Berlin (Germany); Ilia State University (Georgia); The Hague University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands); King’s College London (UK); and Université Paris Nanterre (France).
The hypothetical case involved fictitious states and NGOs navigating a crisis involving hostage-taking, raising questions of immunities and the development of military programmes. Negotiations concerned military interventions near a contested island. Overnight, teams worked on human rights issues, leading to a final negotiation on gender apartheid.
The competition’s organising team, with the support of the Secretariat, comprised the Secretary-General and two young legal professionals. The jury for the final negotiations included H.E. Mr. Leonardo Brant, Judge at the International Court of Justice; H.E. Mr. Mario Oyarzábal, Ambassador of Argentina to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the OPCW; Professor Nico J. Schrijver, Professor Emeritus at Leiden University and member of the Academy’s Curatorium; Mr. Arnaud Felix, Partner at Simmons & Simmons; and Professor Jean-Marc Thouvenin, Secretary-General of The Hague Academy of International Law.
As per tradition, several prizes were awarded during this competition to the winning teams.
Moot Court Competition before the International Criminal Court
The third edition of the Moot Court Competition before the International Criminal Court, generously supported by France, was held from 21 to 24 May 2024. Nearly fifty teams registered, with ten teams from four countries selected based on their written submissions to participate in the oral phases. The following ten teams travelled to The Hague: Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (France), Université Paris Nanterre (France), Université de Liège (Belgium), Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas (France), Université Jean Moulin Lyon III (France), Université de Lubumbashi (DRC), Aix-Marseille Université (France), Université Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs (DRC), Université de Kinshasa (DRC), and Université Nazi Boni de Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso).
After two full days of competition, the finalist teams from Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas and Université de Kinshasa competed in the International Criminal Court’s courtroom before Judges Reine Alapini-Gassou and Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, and Mr. Léo Jolivet, legal officer. Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas (France) won the 2024 Competition. The “Best Speaker” prize was awarded to Ms. Débora Sabanga from Université de Kinshasa.
External Programme
In 2024, the External Programme was held in Asuncion, Paraguay, during the week of 18 March.
The programme addressed several key themes of international law. Professor Luis Garcia Corrochano (Peru) discussed the challenges related to the incorporation of treaties into national legal systems. Professor Monica Pinto (Argentina) addressed human rights dispute settlement mechanisms. Professor Laurence Boisson de Chazournes (France) explored the legal framework governing freshwater resources, including international watercourses. Professor Diego Fernández Arroyo (Argentina) analysed the state of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS), highlighting both its successes and the growing calls for radical reform. Professor Moïse Makane M. Mbengue (Senegal) focused on the legal challenges posed by climate change and the role of international law in addressing them.
Special Courses and Programmes on Demand
Advanced Course on International Law in the Philippines in partnership with the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA): In February 2024
the Academy held its first advanced course programme on demand in Tagaytay, Philippines, in partnership with high-ranking officials from the inviting judicial and academic institutions. The programme, held from 19 February to 1 March, covered topics related to public and private international law. The Secretary-General was also invited to meet numerous figures from the Philippine legal community, according to a programme of meetings organised by Ambassador Malaya. One hundred Filipino participants selected from judges, lawyers, officials from other government departments, and academics participated in person in the advanced courses at the Philippine Judicial Academy in Tagaytay. More than 160 participants of similar ranks followed the courses online. The programme was widely considered a great success.
Advanced Course in International Criminal Law
From 21 to 25 October 2024, the Academy organised an advanced course on international criminal law, thanks to substantial financial support from the Embassy of France in The Hague. This programme included courses delivered by leading professors and professionals from international tribunals. The teaching was exclusively in French, with English translation for the morning sessions. Forty-four participants from Africa, Latin America, Asia, Western Europe, and the Maghreb were selected to participate in this training. More than one hundred and ten participants also followed the courses online.
Advanced Course in International Law in the Philippines in partnership with the Office of the Solicitor General
At the request of the Office of the Solicitor General of the Philippines, the Academy organised an intensive international law course programme, primarily focused on the law of the sea and arbitration. This session took place from 18 to 29 November 2024, in Manila. More than sixty Filipino lawyers from the Office of the Solicitor General participated in these advanced courses, and over 80 participated online. The President of the Curatorium, Professor Diego P. Fernández Arroyo, and the Secretary-General, Professor Jean-Marc Thouvenin, were invited on the sidelines of this programme to a series of meetings with high-ranking figures from the Philippine political and legal world, according to a programme of visits established by Ambassador Malaya.
Advanced Course in Hong Kong
The second edition of the advanced course week in Hong Kong took place from 2 to 6 December 2024, in partnership with the Asian Academy of International Law. The programme focused on the theme of the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in civil and commercial matters. Approximately forty high-level participants, including judges, lawyers, diplomats, and doctoral students, attended these courses. They came from various countries, including South Africa, Germany, Cameroon, China (including Hong Kong), Egypt, Italy, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Türkiye, and Thailand. The courses were taught by renowned professors and experts, including Teresa Cheng, Giuditta Cordero-Moss, Matthias Weller, Mathias Lehmann, Pietro Franzina, as well as Justice of the Supreme People’s Court of China, Ms. Shen Hongyu.
Events
Programme for UNITAR
Upon requests of the UNITAR, at the end of June 2024, the Secretary-General of the Academy delivered a customised training of 4 hours for 30 Indian students of O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana state, as their UN Immersion Programme to The Hague.
Side Event at the United Nations in New York
During the traditional International Law Week, the Academy organised its sixth side event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 23 October 2024. The event was sponsored by the Permanent Missions to the United Nations of Germany, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ecuador, Spain, the United States of America, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, India, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Norway, Peru, Portugal, the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of Monaco, the Republic of Poland, the Czech Republic, the Togolese Republic, El Salvador, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Thailand, Ukraine, Uruguay, and Vietnam. The theme of this edition was “Is International Law a Tower of Babel?”
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The Carnegie Foundation
The Carnegie Foundation owns and maintains the Peace Palace which houses the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the Hague Academy of International Law. The foundation supports these institutions and manages the Peace Palace Library, one of the oldest and most comprehensive libraries in the field of international law.
The Carnegie Foundation is named after Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919), a Scottish-American philanthropist who provided the funds to build the Peace Palace and in 1903 founded the Carnegie Foundation with the purpose of establishing and maintaining in perpetuity a “Temple of Peace”.
Mission
The Carnegie Foundation, as owner and manager of the Peace Palace, is serving the preservation and maintenance of the function of the Peace Palace as an icon and landmark by managing and maintaining premises and buildings, housing and facilitating the two Courts, the Library and the Hague Academy, promoting awareness of the Peace Palace and the work of the institutions located there, and by providing the available space for activities and events that are consistent with the function of the building and do not interfere with the institutions located there.
Vision
As seat of the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the Hague Academy of International Law, the Peace Palace is a world-renowned monument to the pursuit of peace through housing an international rule of law and settling conflicts between states by means of arbitration and jurisdiction. As such, the Peace Palace is also an iconic landmark for The Hague as a city of Peace and Justice.
Board
The Board of the Carnegie Foundation has been chaired by Mr J. P. H. Donner since 1 March 2019 and was re-elected on 1 March 2023. Board members are appointed by Royal decree, receive no remuneration and hold no stake in the foundation. The Board supervises the mission and vision statements of the foundation, establishes its priorities and approves the budget and financial accounts. The combination of each member’s expertise in the fields of diplomacy, cultural heritage, finance, law, and publishing ensures that the foundation takes well-founded decisions with the best interests of the Peace Palace, its inhabitants and stakeholders being paramount. The Board also serves as the Board of The Hague Academy of International Law. The Board of the Carnegie Foundation convened five times in 2024.
In 2024, the Board consisted of the following persons:
• Mr J. P. H. Donner, Chairman, date of first re-election: 1 March 2023
• Mr Baron D. C. van Wassenaer, LLM, Treasurer, date of second reappointment: 1 September 2023
• Ms E. M. Wesseling-van Gent, LLM, member, date of second reappointment: 1 January 2022
• Mr W. L. de Bruijn, member, date of reappointment: 1 January 2021, until: 22 April 2024
• Dr M. Steenhuis, member, date of reappointment: 1 Juli 2021
• Mr. H.H. Siblesz, member, date of appointment: 1 June 2023
• Ms. A. Meinders, member, date of appointment: 15 October 2024
Advisory Council
In accordance with its statutes, the Carnegie Foundation has an Advisory Council that should be approached for issues of specific strategic importance. The Council consists of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands (Chairman), the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Education, Culture and Science, the President of the Senate (First Chamber), the President of the House of Representatives of Parliament (Second Chamber), the Vice-President of the Council of State (Raad van State), the President of the Supreme Court, and the Attorney-General of the Supreme Court. The Advisory Council of the Carnegie Foundation did not convene in 2024.
Management Team
The Management Team (MT) of the Carnegie Foundation runs daily operations and meets on a regular basis. The MT consists of the Director and three managers: the Manager of the Peace Palace Library, the Facilities Manager and the Financial Manager. The MT monitors ongoing and upcoming projects in the various fields of the mission of the Foundation.
In 2024, the Management Team comprised:
• I.D. van Hardevelt, Director
• K. Lodder, Library Manager
• A. E. M. Möller-Kramer, Financial Manager
• F. Smissaert, Interim Facilities Manager, until 30 April 2024
• T. Sweerts, Facilities Manager, as of 10 April 2024
Departments
The Carnegie Foundation consisted of three departments in 2024: the Peace Palace Library, the Facilities Department and the Staff Department.
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Facility Department
The Facility Department of the Carnegie Foundation is entrusted with the delivery of services to the two Courts as well as to the Hague Academy of International Law and the Carnegie Foundation itself. This responsibility encompasses the management and maintenance of all buildings located on the Peace Palace premises including the monumental Palace, the Judges’ wing, the Academy building, the Security building and garden villa.
In addition to maintenance operations, the department ensures the provision of essential services to the resident institutions. Its remit also includes the maintenance of the six-hectare historic garden, curation of the art collection and Peace Palace security.
Daily and Periodic Maintenance
The management and maintenance of the Peace Palace premises are divided into daily and periodic tasks. Daily maintenance is largely unplanned and typically involves resolving issues as they arise—for example, a malfunctioning door or a broken light fixture. In contrast, periodic maintenance is scheduled in advance and includes larger projects or tasks that fall under the multi-year maintenance plan.
In 2023, preparations were made for several projects that commenced in 2024. The following initiatives have since been completed:
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Renovation of the former post office, redesigned with a future-proof concept.
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Restoration of the perimeter (climbing) protection system.
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Replacement of the greenhouse and irrigation system in the garden.
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Development of an interior design plan for the repurposing of the Garden Villa. This space is being sustainably adapted for temporary accommodation during (asbestos-related) projects.
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Installation of extra electric vehicle charging stations behind the Academy Building.
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Repair of defective sunshades in the Great Hall of Justice.
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Re-paving of the Rosarium.
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Launch of the attic asbestos remediation project.
Multi-Year Maintenance Planning
The Peace Palace and its gardens are designated monumental heritage sites. As such, all maintenance activities are carried out in close coordination with the Municipality of The Hague and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed), to ensure compliance with heritage preservation standards.
In 2023, the existing Multi-Year Maintenance Plan (MJOP) was reviewed and updated. All buildings on the premises were thoroughly inspected and assessed which resulted in a revised MJOP that includes a detailed evaluation of the monument’s historic elements.
In 2024, implementation of the updated plan began with the replacement of the fire alarm control panel. Additional projects include the transition to energy-efficient LED lighting, the preparation of the installation of climate control ceilings in the Academy Building and the renewal of the air handling units.
Services
In 2024, the number of Court activities continued to rise, accompanied by growing public attention. As a result, security services were further intensified. Given the expectation that this trend will persist in the coming years, the expansion of security measures—both in terms of quantity and quality—remains a key focus in the ongoing and upcoming contracts for security services.
To ensure and maintain a high standard of service, long-term contracts are carefully reviewed and evaluated. Where necessary, new tenders were initiated (catering) and new contracts were concluded (cleaning and security services). Technical maintenance and other service requests are handled through a ticketing system.
The service coordinator, together with the Courts, discussed the infrastructural needs of the three organisations. This included identifying synergies, sharing best practices, and planning for collective improvements. The facility department proactively communicates as much as possible with users to manage expectations and align services with their needs.
Art Collection and Archives
Asbestos Projects
In 2024, the project team began preparations for two asbestos-related projects in collaboration with the parties contracted at the end of 2023: the asbestos removal in the attic of the Peace Palace and the (destructive) asbestos investigation.
At the same time, discussions were held with the Courts regarding the conditions under which the actual execution of the project could take place. These discussions resulted, by the end of 2024, in a draft agreement with four parties, which was signed in early 2025. This marks an important milestone towards the implementation of the asbestos projects, now scheduled for 2025. The results of the destructive asbestos investigation will serve as valuable input for the broader renovation efforts.
Sustainable Operations
At the end of 2024, the development of a sustainability program was initiated, contributing to the objectives of the Dutch Climate Agreement of 2019. While progress has already been made in several areas within the foundation, further opportunities are being explored for both the short and longer term.
To this end, the foundation will in 2025 commence a collaboration with a consultancy specialising in accelerating sustainability within organisations. Their approach is based upon providing insight, structure, and coherence across various themes whilst, at the same time, fostering awareness and engagement. Their goal is to ensure all organisations are actively engaged in sustainability efforts by 2030. The consultancy will also support the process of translating complex challenges into concrete, step-by-step action.
In addition, all major facility contracts were reviewed in 2024 and, where necessary, revised. This resulted in the appointment of new providers for both security and cleaning services.
Art Collection and Archives
The Peace Palace is an iconic building, renowned for its distinctive exterior and richly decorated interior. It features exceptional decorative elements, artworks, sculptures, and ceiling paintings. Since its construction, more than 40 countries have contributed artworks or building materials, symbolising their support for the international ideal of “Peace through Law.”
This diverse collection of national gifts has resulted in a remarkable richness of styles and details that continue to surprise and inspire. Several of these unique contributions were carefully restored in 2024, preserving their historical and cultural significance for future generations.
Polar Bear Fountain – Denmark
One such gift is the distinctive Danish Polar Bear Fountain which is composed largely of porcelain elements and sculptures produced by Royal Copenhagen. During the winter and spring of 2024, the fountain was cleaned to remove surface contamination. A condition assessment was then carried out resulting in a restoration plan scheduled for 2025. Adjustments were also made to the water installation in order to better manage the quality of the fountain’s water.
Desk – Australia
A remarkable writing desk donated by Australia and designed by the Melbourne-based architectural duo Butler and Bradshaw, has been restored. The desk, crafted from various types of wood, is inlaid with opal and silver and features intricate carvings of native Australian flora and fauna. The return of the restored piece was celebrated in the presence of the Australian Ambassador, H.E. Dr. Greg French, and H.E. Judge Hillary Charlesworth, the Australian judge at the International Court of Justice.
Hereke Carpet – Türkiye
At the end of the year, the final phase of the restoration of the large Turkish Hereke carpet was completed by the Turkish restoration studio in Sultanhani, Aksaray. Preparations were made for its relocation to the Japanese Room in January 2025.
In addition, the original parquet flooring of the Japanese Room—covering more than 160 square metres—has been refurbished and treated with a protective wax coating.
Small Courtroom
Approximately 50 walnut chairs, crafted by Mutters & Sons and located in the Small Courtroom, have been restored. The leather upholstery has been nourished and the structural integrity and joints of the chairs inspected and repaired wherever necessary. Additionally, the oak tabletops, dating back to the original construction period and frequently used during hearings, have been refurbished.
Antechambers
The antechambers adjacent to both courtrooms feature historic marble floors laid in intricate patterns. Similar to the entrance hall, the floors comprise various types of marble. In one of the rooms the floor had subsided and several elements of the patterned inlay were missing. During the summer recess, the floor was expertly restored.
At the end of the year, all eight teak benches and the wooden panelling in both antechambers were thoroughly cleaned. Missing components were repaired and refinished.
Portrait of Queen Wilhelmina
At the request of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, a portrait of the young Dutch Queen Wilhelmina—painted by Jan ten Kate Sr. (1850–1929)—has been given a prominent place on the first floor of the Peace Palace. Ten Kate was a “peace apostle” as well as an artist and he portrayed Wilhelmina as a sovereign of peace holding a symbolic palm branch. The artist had donated the portrait to the newly established Permanent Court of Arbitration. The Carnegie Foundation oversaw the restoration of both the painting and its ornate frame.
Prventive Maintenance and Good Housekeeping
To support the preventive care of the collection and the historic interior, a Good Housekeeping Plan has been developed. The plan serves as a practical guide for the correct cleaning and maintenance of elements such as antique tables, wooden parquet flooring and brass door fittings. Its aim is to delay or prevent costly restorations. In 2025, the plan will be implemented by tailoring cleaning instructions.
Archival Inventory and Research
A project-based approach has been adopted to organise, inventory and prepare the complete paper archive for potential digitisation. Efforts in 2024 were primarily focused on planning and several consultations were held with the Metamorfose project team of the National Library of the Netherlands (Koninklijke Bibliotheek). Implementation of the project is scheduled for 2025.
Mark Rosse, a descendant of the artist responsible for many of the Peace Palace’s decorative elements, ceiling paintings, and stained-glass windows, Herman Rosse, donated three drawings from his family’s archive. One of these includes a sketch of one of the goddesses depicted in the central staircase ceiling painting.
A thesis on the artist Jacob Por was also completed by an art history student. The research was supervised by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed) and drew upon archival correspondence relating to Por’s design contributions to the ceiling decorations of the former academy building designed by Johan van der Steur.
Book Launch: De Hemel van De Lairesse
To celebrate the publication of De Hemel van Lairesse by Margriet Eikema Hommes of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (Rijksdienst voor Cultureel Erfgoed, RCE) a book launch event was organized together with the RCE. De Hemel van Lairesse is an in-depth study of the ceiling canvasses in the Peace Palace’s Bolzaal – the monumental triptych painted by Gérard de Lairesse (1640–1711). The presentation took place in the Small Courtroom and brought together art historians, conservation specialists and cultural heritage professionals to reflect on the artistic and historical significance of De Lairesse’s work.
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Peace Palace Library
The Peace Palace Library provides optimal and efficient information services primarily for the Courts housed in the Palace and the Hague Academy of International Law. The collection is focused mainly upon international law with the broad scope of meeting the extensive information needs of both courts. External users may also make use of the library’s services.
Collection and Topical Focus
Each year, the Peace Palace Library broadly curates its collection placing particular emphasis on current topics—especially those relating to ongoing cases before the Courts. In so doing, the Library supports the information needs of the legal professionals involved.
In 2024 the thematic focus was on Climate Change, a subject not only addressed in an advisory opinion before the International Court of Justice, but also selected as the 2024 research theme by the Centre of the Hague Academy of International Law. Members of the Library’s academic staff compiled an extensive bibliography for researchers: Bibliography Climate Change and the Testing of International Law | Peace Palace Library which is updated on a weekly basis.
Naturally, the Peace Palace Library also monitored global developments as well as discussions regarding artificial intelligence in the context of international law.
Modernisation of Library Systems
The project Modernisation of Library Systems project was successfully completed in 2024. In close coordination with the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Peace Palace Library phased out its proprietary catalogue. The entire collection is now fully integrated and accessible through OCLC’s WorldCat, a global library catalogue.
The entire team of the Peace Palace Library was actively and positively engaged in the decision-making process which led to renewed optimisation of internal workflows.
The Library will take the next step in 2025 by verifying and registering its digital collections in the new systems, further enhancing the visibility and discoverability of its holdings.
Reorganisation of Storage Facilities and Deselection
In response to an anticipated future shortage of storage capacity, the Peace Palace Library has initiated a major project to reorganise its considerable underground storage facilities. In close consultation with the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Library is evaluating the possibility of permanently replacing physical (paper-based) materials with digitally formatted copies.
As part of this initiative, the storage layout is being restructured: related collections are being consolidated, a new numbering system is being introduced, and—where feasible—the collection is being compressed to optimise space usage. These measures are intended to create room for future acquisitions in the most efficient manner possible.
The project is being implemented according to a strict timeline and involves significant logistical challenges. It is expected to continue until the end of 2026 and represents a substantial undertaking for the eight staff members involved.
The Library’s Relevance to the Field of International Law
The importance of the Peace Palace Library to the international legal community is clearly reflected in the number of research stays hosted over the past year as well as in the wide range of research questions explored with the support of the Library’s collections. In 2024, thirty-five researchers from approximately twenty different countries made intensive use of the Library’s resources.
30 km physical collection
2,024 paying and 989 non-paying members
6,309 loans registered
1,278 interlibrary loan requests
7,000+ e-journals
160,000 e-books
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Staff Department & Public Activities
The staff department has an advisory and service-providing role in supporting the Carnegie Foundation in carrying out its organization-wide mission. Through its expertise in human resources, administration, legal knowledge, secretarial services, and communication, the staff contributes to maintaining the Peace Palace, housing the Courts and the Academy, providing services to these institutions, and maintaining a positive image of the Peace Palace to the outside world.
Press and Public Relations
Communication tasking is divided into ongoing activities and one-off projects.
Projects and special activities in 2024 included:
- A documentary on the Small Courtroom produced in collaboration with the Permanent Court of Arbitration;
- A documentary on the Great Courtroom produced in cooperation with the International Court of Justice;
- Contribution to the production of a new Klokhuis episode about the Peace Palace to air in Spring 2025. Klokhuis is an educational television program aimed at children aged 9-15;
- Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize: the nomination process, award ceremony preparation, press and public relations;
- Contribution to production of an image film for the Peace Palace’s European Heritage Label;
- Hereke carpet: briefing and guiding journalists as well as contributing to an international documentary on the restoration process.
Ongoing activities included maintaining the website and social media channels, newsletter despatch, press enquiries, welcoming and advising national and international journalists, speech writing and the supervision of interns.
Media Requests
In 2024, the Carnegie Foundation received 155 requests from domestic and international sources for interviews, filming or photography. Ninety-three of these requests were from media outlets. A few examples of the publications the Carnegie Foundation contributed to are:
- Belfast Telegraph: The art of peace
- Le Monde: Dans les coulisses de la Cour internationale de justice, au chevet d’un monde en conflit
- Diplomat Magazine: Return of 114-Year-Old Hereke Carpet to the Peace Palace after Restoration in Turkey
- Monumentaal Magazine: 114 jaar oud tapijt terug in Vredespaleis
- NOS: Nederlandse krijgsmacht krijgt vredesprijs
- WNL: Vredesprijs voor Nederlandse krijgsmacht
Visitors Centre
The Visitors Centre of the Peace Palace plays an important role in making the message of peace and justice accessible to a broad audience. The mission of the Visitors Centre is to inspire and inform visitors about the history and significance of the Peace Palace whilst offering a welcoming and educational experience. In 2024, the Visitors Centre focused on increasing visitor numbers, expanding the number of guided tours and managing costs more efficiently.
The total number of visitors increased slightly thanks to targeted promotion, for example, of the World’s Youth for Climate Justice exhibition; by attracting group visits and improved online booking options.
In 2024, the Visitors Centre welcomed:
- approximately 160,000 visitors;
- 50 school classes;
- 150 group visits, including international students;
- as well as organising 300 guided tours in and around the Palace.
Running the visitors’ centre on a budget-neutral basis is an ongoing challenge. An increase in visitor numbers and a variety of guided tours have helped with this, and we are also grateful to the municipality of The Hague for their financial contribution.
The expansion of the “Cultuurmenu” educational program for schools led to a greater engagement with young visitors. Through interactive, tailor-made lessons pupils in the final years of primary school and the lower years of secondary school learn how the various institutions housed in the Peace Palace contribute to peace. The Visitors Centre also provides teaching materials and tips for educators thus enabling schools unable to visit in person to explore the theme of “Peace through Law.”
Through these strategies, the Visitors Centre remains a key link in sharing the story of the Peace Palace and it is preparing for further growth in 2025.
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Events at the
Peace Palace
The Carnegie Foundation is dedicated to promoting international law and peaceful international cooperation in addition to housing the Courts and The Hague Academy of International Law. To this end, the foundation facilitates conferences with global partners that have a clear connection to peacebuilding and the rule of law. It also organizes its own events such as the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize and the annual Open Day. Below are some examples of the events that took place in 2024:
125th Anniversary Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)
2024 marked 125 years since the First Hague Peace Conference, which resulted in the establishment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and marked the first step in the development of the modern means of peaceful dispute resolution offered to the international community. At the occasion of its 125th Anniversary, the PCA was holding the third-ever Congress of the Members of the Court.
Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize Awarded to the Netherlands Armed Forces
On 26 November 2024, the Netherlands Armed Forces received the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize, the second oldest peace prize in the world. This honor was awarded to the Netherlands Royal Navy, Royal Army, Royal Air Force, and the Marechaussee for their involvement in more than 80 peace missions worldwide.
2024 International Day of Peace
September 21 is the International Day of Peace. To mark the occasion, activities took place in and around the Peace Palace from 19–22 September 2024.
HCCH – Council on General Affairs and Policy
The Council on General Affairs and Policy (CGAP) of the HCCH met from 5 to 8 March 2024. The meeting was attended by over 429 participants, representing 74 HCCH Members, 5 non-Member States, 7 intergovernmental organisations, 8 international non-governmental organisations, and members of the Permanent Bureau (PB). The Conclusions & Decisions adopted by CGAP are now available in English, French, and Spanish.
Source: HCCH | CGAP 2024 – Conclusions & Decisions now available!
UNESCO International Conference Cultural Heritage and Peace: Building on 70 years of The Hague Convention
From 13 to 15 May 2024, the Kingdom of the Netherlands hosted the UNESCO International Conference Cultural Heritage and Peace: Building on 70 years of UNESCO Hague Convention (for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.”
The 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property was the first international legal framework entirely dedicated to the protection of movable and immovable heritage, setting a precedent for the preservation of heritage in international humanitarian law. Seven decades on, the Convention has steadily gained a global significance, having been ratified by 135 States Parties.
The Welcome Ceremony on 13 May 2024 took place at the Peace Palace, and brought together a wide range of stakeholders involved in the protection of cultural property .
Source: UNESCO International Conference “Cultural Heritage and Peace: Building
125th Anniversary
Permanent Court of Arbitration
In 1899, representatives from nations around the world gathered in The Hague to promote peace and to establish mechanisms to prevent future conflicts. Amongst the most tangible results of this First Hague Peace Conference was the creation of “a Permanent Court of Arbitration, accessible at all times” (Article 20, 1899 Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes).
2024 marked 125 years since the First Hague Peace Conference, which resulted in the establishment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and marked the first step in the development of the modern means of peaceful dispute resolution offered to the international community.
H.E. Dr. Hab. Marcin Czepelak, Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, reflected on the Court’s legacy as the oldest and most active international court in The Hague: “The 1899 Convention and the creation of the PCA marked the beginning of The Hague’s status as the City of Peace and Justice and permanently shaped the city’s landscape through the construction of the PCA’s headquarters: the Peace Palace, which was built to house the Permanent Court of Arbitration. As the PCA celebrates its 125th anniversary, it is with immense pride that we look back on the Court’s successful transition to a modern arbitral institution capable of meeting the rapidly evolving needs of the international community.”
The Permanent Court of Arbitration marked its 125th anniversary with the third-ever Congress of the Members of the Court at its headquarters, the Peace Palace in The Hague, from 12 to 14 June 2024. Titled “A Court Fit for its Time: Pursuing the Evolution of the Permanent Court of Arbitration for the Fulfilment of its Promise”, the Congress celebrated the PCA’s longstanding commitment to the peaceful settlement of international disputes and charted the course for its future.
The PCA’s active presence on the international stage was reaffirmed during the Congress, as the Republic of Vanuatu acceded to the Court’s Founding Conventions during the inaugural session. This significant event was followed by the announcement of the entry into force of the PCA’s sixteenth Host Country Agreement, concluded with the Republic of Paraguay.
On the final day of this historic Congress on 14 June 2024, the Members of the Court discussed and adopted the Resolution of the Congress of the Members of the Court under the presidency of H.E. Ambassador François Alabrune, Member of the Court and Chair of the Special Working Group for the 125th Anniversary. The Resolution recognizes the PCA as a modern, multifaceted arbitral institution with a unique role in international dispute settlement, and encourages the Members of the Court to promote the PCA and its services.
Attended by 344 participants representing 109 countries, the Congress was a resounding success and reaffirmed the PCA’s mission as a permanent institution committed to ensuring to all peoples the benefits of a real and lasting peace, accessible at all times for the peaceful settlement of international disputes, adapting to new challenges and maintaining its readiness to serve the international community.
Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize Awarded to the Netherlands Armed Forces
The Netherlands Armed Forces received the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize, the second oldest peace prize in the world. This honor was awarded to the Netherlands Royal Navy, Royal Army, Royal Air Force, and the Marechaussee for their involvement in more than 80 peace missions worldwide.
More than 200 guests, including 35 ambassadors, Dutch Ministers Ruben Brekelmans (Defence) and David van Weel (Justice and Security), and many military personnel, gathered in the Auditorium of the Peace Palace for the festive Award Ceremony. Piet Hein Donner, Minister of State and President of the Carnegie Foundation, and Dr. Elisabeth Wesseling-van Gent, Chair of the Jury, presented the Award to General Onno Eichelsheim, Chief of Defense.
Laureate
“I know that for some, it may be strange to see someone in a military uniform talking about peace,” said General Eichelsheim, who accepted the Peace Prize on behalf of the entire Netherlands Armed Forces. In his speech, the general elaborated on various peace missions, as well as current and future deployment possibilities. Eichelsheim emphasized that the Netherlands are the only country in the world that have enshrined the development of the international legal order in its constitution, warning that the rule of law is under pressure. “Seeing the darkness of war helped me to appreciate the light even more. Peace. Freedom. Democracy. Rule of law. Humanity towards each other. We will never lose sight of what we aim to protect: a free democracy, international rule of law, the sovereignty of states. We will continue to participate in missions that seek to safeguard and promote these values“, said the Chief of Defense.
Jury Report
The Peace Prize jury explained their choice of laureate as follows:
“The Netherlands Armed Forces, through their four branches, the Royal Netherlands Army, Air Force, Navy and Marechaussee have always played and continue to play a significant role in peacekeeping, peacebuilding and stability. As early as 1913, long before the United Nations and UN peace missions existed, the Netherlands Armed Forces carried out their first peace mission in Albania, the same year the Peace Palace opened its doors. This shows that more than a hundred years ago, it was already recognized that peacekeeping and peacebuilding have many dimensions.
Since World War II, the Netherlands Armed Forces have participated in more than 80 peace missions under the flags of the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union. In addition to military support, the armed forces also provide civilian assistance. Dutch soldiers are often involved in building infrastructure, providing medical care, supporting local communities, training troops, and maintaining the rule of law.
By presenting the 2024 Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize to the Netherlands Armed Forces, we would like to honor and thank all Dutch military personnel who, on a daily basis, push their own boundaries to protect those of others. Members of the Netherlands Armed Forces dedicate and sometimes sacrifice their lives to preserving or building peace worldwide.”
Mental Consequences and ARQ Center
Dr. Tine Molendijk, an interdisciplinary cultural anthropologist specializing in military culture and ethics, and Prof. Lonneke Peperkamp, professor of military ethics and leadership, highlighted participation in peace missions from a different perspective. Molendijk described how military operations can affect soldiers’ mental health. During the Award Ceremony, the Chief of Defense announced that the prize money of 35,000 euros would go to the Dutch ARQ Nationaal Psychotrauma Centrum, the national expertise center for the diagnosis and treatment of people with complex psychotrauma complaints.
Royal Air Force Orchestra
The program was musically accompanied by the Orchestra of the Netherlands Royal Air Force, conducted by Major Jasper Staps. The orchestra played, among other pieces, “Brothers in Arms” by Dire Straits and specially composed pieces such as a Fanfare for the Peace Prize. Carnegie’s Peace March, composed by J.J. van Rosmalen in 1913 for the opening of the Peace Palace, was newly arranged for the Award Ceremony.
Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize
The Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize has been awarded in the Peace Palace since 1931. The board of the Carnegie Foundation honors with this prize a person or institution that promotes international peace, through word or deed. The prize was established by the Dutch banker Johan Wateler and entrusted to the Carnegie Foundation. Today, the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize was awarded for the 74th time.
2024 International Day of Peace
September 21 is the International Day of Peace. To mark the occasion, a series of activities took place in and around the Peace Palace from 19–22 September 2024. Highlights included a documentary screening, an interactive exhibition, and a symbolic time capsule containing 125 children’s wishes for peace—commemorating 125 years since the First Hague Peace Conference. The program concluded with an Open Day, offering the public a unique insight into the work of international legal institutions committed to peace and justice.
Documentary Climate Justice
The official start of the 2024 Just Peace program was a movie night on 19 September. A documentary was shown in the Peace Palace Auditorium highlighting the important work of the World’s Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ) and the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC). These young leaders have been campaigning for an Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on states’ obligations regarding climate change.
Exhibition Visitors Centre
Prior to the film screening, a new exhibition at the Visitors Centre was opened demonstrating the consequences of climate change and the direct link to the causes of conflict. The exhibition consisted of two main components: a video screening and an interactive scale. The video featured interviews with four individuals from climate-vulnerable regions including Mayotte, Tonga, India, and Pakistan which amplified the voices of those severely affected by extreme weather events and rising sea levels. Accompanying information material provided an overview of the campaigns led by youth organizations PISFCC and WYCJ. The scale is an engaging data tool which allowed visitors to visualize climate inequality, illustrating nations’ contributions to CO2 emissions and their vulnerability to climate change. This digital tool underscored the unequal distribution of climate impacts and highlighted the urgent need for global action.
The Visitors Center of the Peace Palace housed the climate change exhibition until April 2025.
The exhibition was jointly planned and realized by the PISFCC, WYCJ and Interactive Media Foundation (IMF), a non-profit organization specialized in producing educational and cultural projects.
Time Capsule: 125 Children’s Wishes for Peace
The year 2024 marked 125 years since the First Hague Peace Conference. 125 children were asked to write down their wishes for peace in the future and these were all placed in a time capsule. The Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen, together with Rand Yasin, Mayor of Madurodam and Iljan van Hardevelt, director of the Peace Palace, buried the time capsule in the garden of the Peace Palace. The capsule is not to be opened for 125 years.
Open Day
On Sunday 22 September, the Peace Palace opened its doors to everyone interested in international law. During a 75-minute program, visitors enjoyed a brief tour through the Peace Palace as well as presentations by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice and the Carnegie Foundation. The institutions presented their history and their current work.
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Financial Overview
The Carnegie Foundation is financed via several sources. An annual contribution to cover activities is received from both the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further supplements the cost of day to day maintenance, accommodation, services and library management. The Hague Academy of International Law pays fees for accommodation, for agreed services and for the provision of accommodation during its summer and winter courses. The indexation provision allows the budget to be adjusted annually.
The subsidy for the period 2023-2027 is exclusive of the cost of the multi-year mainentance plan. The Carnegie Foundation has been discussing funding requirements for this with the Ministry throughout 2024.
A separate one-off subsidy agreement covered short term (outstanding) maintenance costs, a revised budget for the removal of asbestos from the attic and an extensive asbestos survey. €16,007,000 was allocated as a result of a revised subsidy decision in December 2024. With Ministerial agreement, the term for this subsidy was extended up to and including 31 December 2025.
The Carnegie Foundation operated within its allocated budget during financial year 2024. Certain budgeted amounts were underspent, primarily due to incidental savings. These included, for example, energy costs that were significantly lower than initially anticipated, as well as unbudgeted financial income from interest accrued on advanced subsidy payments.
2024 Result
The 2024 result was positive for both core and other activities. The Carnegie Foundation has agreed appropriation of the result with the Ministry. Further to these core activities the Carnegie Foundation runs the freely accessible Visitors Centre, organises both public and private tours and rents space for specialised events befitting the aims and character of the Peace Palace. Events are usually (but not exclusively) held in the Academy building. Public activities are partially made possible by an annual contribution from The Hague Municipality. Non-core activities are organised to, at least, cover their costs.
Financial Developments
The Carnegie Foundation applies its own basis with regard to valuations. The valuation of the historical assets, including the palace and the book collection, is based upon historical cost. Accountability for the Ministerial subsidy received for the 2023-2027 period to the amount of € 35,297,000 is in full accordance with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2022 decision.
Profit & Loss 2024
| Amounts x €1.000 | Actuals 2024 | Budget 2024 | Actuals 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1.469 | 1.273 | 1.585 |
| Provision of services | 3.074 | 3.426 | 2.916 |
| Library | 2.872 | 2.696 | 2.478 |
| Organisational expenses | 1.650 | 1.496 | 1.396 |
| Total general activities | 9.064 | 8.891 | 8.375 |
| Contributions third parties | 2.626 | 2.043 | 2.300 |
| Contribution Ministry | 6.849 | 6.848 | 7.052 |
| Total external activities | 9.475 | 8.891 | 9.357 |
| Result | 411 | - | 977 |
Outlook
As wide-ranging as our tasks and projects were in 2024, the year 2025 promises to be just as diverse. The two Courts continue to handle a broad spectrum of cases, with the Advisory Opinion in the case concerning Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change expected shortly.
The organization World’s Youth for Climate Justice, which played a key role in advocating for this Advisory Opinion, was awarded the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize in 2023 for its efforts in promoting climate justice. This Youth Peace Prize will be awarded again in the winter of this year and we look forward to receiving inspiring best practices from around the world.
Publications from across the globe find their way into our library which this year surpassed the milestone of over one million items, both physical and digital. Not only for these books, but also in the first instance, for the many activities of the two Courts and the Hague Academy of International Law, we require space in anticipation that both the tasks and the institutions themselves will continue to grow. For this reason, a dedicated project group is currently exploring various options to ensure the Peace Palace is equipped to meet both current and future demands. Naturally, the preservation of this monumental cultural heritage site and its unique history remains a guiding principle in all our considerations.
As mentioned in the editorial and the accompanying article, the monochrome painting The Glorification of Peace by Luc Olivier Merson holds a special place in the Peace Palace. In 2025, we acquired an original color study of the artwork, a serendipitous discovery made by the grandson of Louis Cordonnier, the architect of the Peace Palace. We know now how the painting was originally envisioned and where specific color accents were intended. However, we have chosen not to add colour to the artwork and to preserve its monochrome character. After all, we cannot paint the future of peace, we can only facilitate it. And I am proud to do so alongside a multidisciplinary and, above all, highly motivated team with a wide range of expertise.
Iljan van Hardevelt
Director Carnegie Foundation – Peace Palace
Imprint
Address and Contact Details
Carnegie Foundation – Peace Palace
Carnegieplein 2
2517 KJ The Hague
T +31 70 302 42 42
E reception@peacepalace.org
Photos
Margareta Svensson | Kim Vermaat
Michiel Langeveld | Maarten van Haaff
Thanks to
International Court of Justice
Permanent Court of Arbitration
Hague Academy of International Law
The Carnegie Foundation is very grateful for the support of its partners:
