World Forum

World Forum

The World Forum is a major convention center located in The Hague, Netherlands. Originally known as the Nederlands Congresgebouw, it has served as a key venue for international conferences, political summits, and large-scale events. Over the years, it has hosted numerous global gatherings, including the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit, which brought together world leaders to discuss nuclear security and non-proliferation. Its reputation as a hub for diplomacy and international cooperation has made it a preferred location for events of global significance.

Situated in the International Zone of The Hague, the World Forum is surrounded by key international institutions, reinforcing the city’s role as a center for global justice and diplomacy. Nearby, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and one of the administrative offices of the International Baccalaureate contribute to the area’s international character. The convention center’s proximity to diplomatic missions and embassies also makes it an ideal venue for high-level discussions and negotiations.

The World Forum features a range of facilities designed to accommodate large-scale events. It includes a main auditorium with a capacity of over 2,000 seats, numerous conference rooms, exhibition spaces, and modern security infrastructure to ensure the safety of attendees. The venue has been upgraded over the years to meet the needs of international summits, incorporating advanced communication technologies and enhanced security measures. Its location in The Hague, a city known for hosting international courts and organizations, further enhances its status as a prime venue for diplomatic and political gatherings.

In June 2025, the World Forum will host the NATO Summit, a major event that will bring together heads of state and government from NATO member countries to discuss global security and defense strategies. The decision to hold the summit in The Hague was made during the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius, underscoring the Netherlands’ role as an important player in international diplomacy. The selection of the World Forum for this event reflects its capacity to handle high-profile meetings with extensive security requirements and logistical complexity.

Security preparations for the NATO Summit are expected to be among the most extensive in Dutch history, with an estimated 27,000 police officers being deployed to ensure the safety of world leaders and delegates. The Dutch government, in coordination with NATO, is implementing strict security measures, including road closures, surveillance operations, and coordination with international security agencies. Given the presence of many diplomatic institutions in The Hague, security arrangements will be crucial to maintaining a safe and controlled environment throughout the event.

Beyond hosting political and diplomatic events, the World Forum is also a venue for cultural and business conferences. It has been used for international trade fairs, corporate meetings, and entertainment events, showcasing its versatility as a convention center. Its facilities support large-scale exhibitions, networking sessions, and gala dinners, making it a valuable asset for both the public and private sectors.

As one of the most significant event venues in the Netherlands, the World Forum continues to play a central role in international diplomacy. Its upcoming role in hosting the 2025 NATO Summit further solidifies its reputation as a venue capable of handling some of the world’s most critical discussions on global security and cooperation.