Netherlands
Jan van Zanen
Den Haag
Den Haag
Coat of arms
Area
Municipality: 98.12 km2
Population
Municipality: 544,766
Postal zone
2490–2599
Area code(s)
+31 (0)70
Government
Body: Municipal council
Mayor: Jan van Zanen
Website
- EN
Jan van Zanen
Biography
The Hague is known around the world as the center of international law, as well as the seat of the Dutch government and many more major institutions. This beautiful city filled with history has been led by mayor Jan van Zanen since 2020. The Purmerend-born politician has very extensive experience in local politics, as he was previously the mayor of two other Dutch cities, Utrecht and Amstelveen. With his outstanding skills and vast experience, Van Zanen is actively working on strengthening The Hague’s reputation as a safe and sustainable city where residents are able to enjoy a very high standard of living.
Mayor of The Hague was born in 1961 and grew up in Edam-Volendam in the northwest Netherlands. After attending classical teaching Gymnasium, he completed his law studies at two top-tier educational institutions, Amsterdam’s Vrije University and Cornell University Law School in Ithaca, New York. From July 2005 to December 2013, Jan Van Zanen was the mayor of the Dutch city of Amstelveen. His term was recognized as a huge success, with numerous notable accomplishments. On the day he retired from the function, he was also named an honorary citizen of Amstelveen by the city council, which symbolized gratitude for the outstanding contribution he has made as a mayor.
His successful career continued in Utrecht where he held the mayor's office between 2014 and 2020. On July 1, he was officially sworn in as the mayor of The Hague. Despite taking on the new function during one of the largest global crises in the recent past, the coronavirus pandemic, mayor Van Zanen was able to get acquainted with the city very fast. During his numerous visits to notable individuals and institutions residing in The Hague, mayor Van Zanen is always making sure that everyone’s voice is heard and that no issue remains unsolved. For his exceptional skills and commitment, mayor Van Zanen has received many recognitions and awards.
He received the Annie Brouwer-Korf Prize 2020 for his contribution to the acceptance and visibility of the LGBTI+ community. In 2021, he also participated in the event Purple Friday which tries to draw attention to the acceptance of LGBTI+ students and employees, once again demonstrating his commitment to keeping The Hague a safe and inclusive city where diversity is cherished. Mayor Van Zanen’s exceptional language skills and clarity were also recognized in 2018 when he received the ‘’Clear Language Prize’’, awarded by Taalcentrum-VU. By fostering strong bonds with other European countries, Van Zanen is also making sure that the image of The Hague of an international city is preserved. (photo credit: The Hague official website)
- en
The Hague
More info about city
The Hague is a city on the western coast of the Netherlands and the capital of the province of South Holland. It is also the seat of government of the Netherlands. With a metropolitan population of more than 1 million, it is the third-largest city in the Netherlands, after Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
- en
Jan van Zanen: maintaining The Hague's international reputation
04.03.2022The Hague is known around the world as the center of international law, as well as the seat of the Dutch government and many more major institutions. This beautiful city filled with history has been led by mayor Jan van Zanen since 2020. The Purmerend-born politician has very extensive experience in local politics, as he was previously the mayor of two other Dutch cities, Utrecht and Amstelveen. With his outstanding…
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