Toespraak van Koning Willem-Alexander bij de Nieuwjaarsontvangst voor leden van het corps diplomatique en internationale organisaties, Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam
De toespraak is uitgesproken in het Engels.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Queen and I wish to warmly welcome you all to Amsterdam’s Royal Palace. It is a fine tradition to mark the start of the new year with you here. It’s one that we cherish, and we thank you for joining us.
Almost the entire world is represented here today in the Citizens’ Hall, in the heart of Amsterdam. Each one of you brings a wealth of unique history and culture with you. And that is truly invaluable.
Despite inevitable differences, you are all driven by the same ideal: creating a better world through diplomacy. Through dialogue. Through listening. Through seeking out connections and solutions. That requires courage, persistence, creativity and solidarity. And those qualities are essential, with so many people around the world in such desperate need. Especially in this period of geopolitical turbulence, we are reminded of the necessity of cooperation.
Is the world a better place since we last gathered here a year ago?
The war in Ukraine still has millions of people in the grip of fear. The suffering and violence in the Palestinian Territories and in Israel continues. The ruthless aggression in Sudan has only intensified.
And we’ve seen the merciless power of nature, too. Our thoughts are with the millions of people in Southeast Asia who suffered devastating floods in recent months. They will be spending the new year trying to put their lives back together amid all the destruction.
Our thoughts are also with the young victims of the horrific fire in Switzerland on New Year’s Eve. It happened exactly 25 years after a similar tragedy in the Dutch town of Volendam. We wish the survivors and the families and friends of the victims strength at this terrible time.
We owe it to ourselves and to the world to keep seeking ways to alleviate need and find solutions that offer the prospect of peace and justice. In Gaza, for example, where a fragile peace agreement has been reached, after two years of war.
Offering perspective is what you will continue doing, in 2026 and beyond.
So I would also like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation for all your efforts, and for your essential contribution in making the world a better place.
The Queen and I sincerely hope you all have a happy and healthy new year. And we wish you every success in your important work.
May I now invite you all to raise your glasses to 2026!