Position paper for Netherlands
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| The Delegation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands recognizes the growing threats posed by kinetic attacks, electronic warfare, and cyberattacks against different space systems. These activities undermine the importance of international peace, security, and sustainability. Our delegation urges this committee to establish and strengthen responsible use of Space. As active members within the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (CPUOS), this delegation believes that a call for collective action to expand this program will be extremely beneficial in encouraging the reduction of space threats through peaceful means. The escalation of space threats, such as anti-satellite missile tests and cyber interference, has intensified heavily in the past two decades. The Netherlands recognizes that the absence of legally binding international norms leaves more room for dangerous misinterpretation. As a prominent member in European Space Agency (ESA) and a strong supporter of the UN Outer Space Treaty, the Netherlands has consistently advocated for preventative measures to prevent the militarization of space. The Netherlands proposes establishing a UN-led initiative to prevent the misuse of space, where nations can collaborate to create a safer outer space for all. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| The Kingdom of the Netherlands is deeply concerned regarding the topic of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects, especially considering the proper enforcement of Member States to prohibit serious threats to global & domestic security, human rights, and stability. The Netherlands highly encourages Member States to follow its example, as it has some of the strictest arms export controls in Europe, including adherence to the EU Common Position criteria and the implementation of the Arms and Ammunition Act, as well as the Strategic Services Act, which ensures tight control and transparency over brokering, marking, and record-keeping. Globally, it is of utmost importance that the General Assembly First Committee suggests the international community continue to promote and educate Member States through capacity-building programs to improve tracing, stockpile management, and destruction of surplus weapons in accordance with the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and UN Programme of Action (PoA) on SALW. Additionally, the Netherlands recalls Resolution 65/69 adopted by the General Assembly and subsequent resolutions on “Women, disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control.” It understands that the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects continues to have devastating consequences for civilian populations, particularly women, and that gender and age-sensitive approaches are essential to the effective implementation of the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument. This committee must highlight the importance of integrating gender perspectives and human rights considerations into all national, regional, and international efforts and potential resolutions to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| The Kingdom of the Netherlands recognizes that globalization and interdependence are
defining features of the modern era, reshaping international trade, communications, and
development opportunities. As one of the most interconnected nations in the world, the
Netherlands is firmly committed to advancing sustainable development through
international cooperation and the framework of the United Nations. As home to the largest
port in Europe, Rotterdam, the Netherlands has been a beacon of international trade and a
vital link to nearly every country participating in international trade. Recognizing this the
Netherlands cannot begin to stress how important global cooperation and communication is
to foundational principle of partnership that this committee and the UN as a whole
champion.
Acknowledging these struggles the Netherlands calls for action in 3 ways. The enhancement of global cooperation on trade and investment, a renewed focus on promotion and innovation of sustainable growth, and finally the strengthening global cooperation through global Partnerships. The Kingdom of the Netherlands looks forward to working with any and all member nations that are serious about strengthening global ties and promoting free and fair trade. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| The Kingdom of the Netherlands stands affirmed with the sustainable development goals of the United Nations, including goal 13 and goal 15, which promote preventing climate change and preserving life on land. With a quarter of our country residing below sea level, if the sea were to rise one meter, most of our country, industry, and livelihood would be flooded. It is for these reasons that the Netherlands is in support of any resolution that will reduce climate change and protect the environment on land and in the sea. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| The Netherlands strongly supports the right to self-determination as a fundamental principle of international law and human rights, embodied in the UN Charter. The Netherlands believes that all people must have the ability to determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development freely. This stance is informed not only by the Netherlands’ global commitments, but also by its own constitutional structure. Within the self-governing countries, a model exists that demonstrates the Netherlands’ commitment to political autonomy. Internationally, the Netherlands supports peaceful, lawful self-determination efforts, including the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, and upholds Ukraine’s sovereignty against violations of its territorial integrity. At the same time, it emphasizes the importance of territorial integrity, peaceful conflict resolution, and the prevention of separatism motivated by external manipulation or nationalist extremism. Recognizing the complex challenges around self-determination, the Netherlands encourages inclusive governance, minority rights protection, and international mediation in disputed regions. It calls on the UN and member states to support innovative governance structures. The Netherlands also advocates for stronger international accountability to ensure that claims of self-determination are not used to justify conflict or suppression. Ultimately, the Netherlands believes that preserving self-determination must go hand in hand with upholding human dignity, promoting stability, and ensuring that all people have a meaningful voice in their own future. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| The Kingdom of the Netherlands is deeply committed to empowering women and girls in
rural areas as a vital part of sustainable development and social equity. Gender equality is
central to Dutch policy, aligned with international frameworks like CEDAW and the Beijing
Declaration. Domestically, the government addresses challenges faced by rural women, such
as limited mobility, economic participation, and access to services, by investing in digital
infrastructure, supporting female entrepreneurship, and ensuring healthcare, childcare, and
education. Special focus is given to intersectional inequalities affecting migrant, elderly, and
disabled women.
On the international stage, the Netherlands prioritizes gender equality in development cooperation, partnering with UN Women, civil society, and grassroots groups to expand rural women’s access to land ownership, financial resources, reproductive health services, and protection from gender-based violence. The country advocates for integrating gender- responsive policies into rural development, especially in areas like climate adaptation, food security, and digital transformation. Collecting gender-disaggregated data is also emphasized to improve evidence-based policymaking. The Netherlands remains eager to collaborate with Member States to create sustainable, inclusive strategies that promote the rights and empowerment of rural women and girls worldwide. By focusing on intersectionality and inclusion, the Dutch delegation aims to support global efforts in advancing gender equality and ensuring rural women’s full participation in social and economic life. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
| Paper text: | |
| The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a maritime nation. Our history, prosperity, and identity
have always been tied to the sea. With over 350 kilometers of coastline along the North Sea
and one of the busiest ports in the world, Rotterdam, the Netherlands recognizes both the
opportunities and the vulnerabilities that the ocean presents. The Netherlands affirms our
nation’s strong commitment to the protection and sustainable use of the world’s oceans.
First, the Netherlands acknowledges the existential threat posed by climate change, rising
sea levels, and ocean acidification. As a low-lying country, we experience firsthand the
dangers of flooding and coastal erosion. Our centuries-long expertise in water management
obliges us to lead by example, advancing innovation in coastal defense, sustainable port
development, and renewable offshore energy. We believe that safeguarding the ocean is not
merely an environmental duty, but a necessity for the survival of millions worldwide. Second,
the Netherlands is committed to the protection of marine biodiversity. We support the
creation and expansion of marine protected areas, particularly in the North Sea, where we
balance economic activities such as fisheries and shipping with ecological conservation. We
strongly encourage all nations to uphold the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity
Framework and to fulfill commitments to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. Third, the
Netherlands emphasizes the importance of international cooperation under the framework
of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Ocean challenges do not
stop at national borders. Plastic pollution, illegal fishing, and habitat degradation require
collective action. The Netherlands actively contributes to the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) in reducing shipping emissions and advocates for global agreements to
address marine litter and microplastics.
Finally, the Netherlands calls upon all Member States to view ocean protection as an integral part of sustainable development. Healthy seas support food security, trade, and livelihoods for billions. We urge nations to accelerate investment in sustainable fisheries, green shipping, and renewable offshore energy. In conclusion, the Netherlands stands ready to work with all delegations to ensure that our oceans remain a source of life, security, and prosperity for generations to come. We believe that by acting decisively now, we honor both our duty to the environment and our shared responsibility to humanity. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| The Kingdom of the Netherlands recognizes the increasing frequency and intensity of
humanitarian crises worldwide. The Netherlands firmly believes that an effective,
coordinated, and timely humanitarian response is essential to uphold human dignity, save
lives, reduce suffering, and promote long-term stability during crises. As a strong supporter
of multilateral cooperation and international law, the Netherlands reaffirms its commitment
to strengthening the United Nations’ role in leading and coordinating global humanitarian
assistance. With emergencies caused by conflict, climate change, and natural disasters on
the rise, the Netherlands emphasizes the importance of reinforcing the United Nations’
central role in leading and coordinating global humanitarian responses. As one of the largest
humanitarian donors per capita, the Netherlands makes a substantial contribution to the UN
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Central Emergency
Response Fund (CERF). Guided by its Humanitarian Policy Framework (2023–2026), the
Netherlands prioritizes protecting civilians, improving humanitarian access, and promoting
climate-resilient aid. The Netherlands also supports the Grand Bargain commitments to
make humanitarian aid more transparent, efficient, and locally driven. The Netherlands also
partners with the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism and the Red Cross Movement
to enhance rapid disaster response capacity and logistical coordination.
Despite years of reform, coordination remains hindered by overlapping mandates that foster competition rather than collaboration. Information continues to be compartmentalized, data is inadequately shared, and local voices remain persistently excluded—signaling a troubling drift from the compassion and empathy that should define humanitarian action and the very values that unite us as a global community. The Netherlands emphasizes the importance of accountability, digital innovation, and equitable partnerships between international organizations and local responders. We recognize that climate-induced disasters increasingly blur the lines between crisis response, development, and peacebuilding. Strengthening these connections through the triple nexus is essential to building resilience and preserving human dignity. The Netherlands believes that only through unified, transparent, and inclusive coordination can the United Nations effectively address the world’s growing humanitarian needs. We remain committed to advancing international cooperation and fostering innovation to ensure that humanitarian assistance is timely, equitable, and sustainable. The Netherlands urges all Member States to stand united in strengthening humanitarian coordination for stronger accountability. In a world facing escalating crises, the international community must realign its efforts to preserve not only lives, but the compassion and humanity that bind us all. To do so, we must not only respond to crises but reaffirm the shared values that make us human. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
| Paper text: | |
| The Delegation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands recognizes the growing threats posed by the proliferation of nuclear weapons, the illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, and the potential for nuclear terrorism. These challenges undermine international peace, stability, and trust. As a committed member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a strong supporter of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the Netherlands emphasizes the importance of transparency, verification, and global cooperation in securing nuclear materials. Our delegation believes that strengthening international safeguards, improving information-sharing mechanisms, and enhancing capacity-building among states are essential to preventing the misuse of nuclear technology. The Netherlands proposes the establishment of a UN-led initiative focused on global nuclear security collaboration to ensure that nuclear energy remains a tool for peaceful development rather than destruction. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting alternative development as a development-oriented drug control strategy that is sustainable and inclusive |
| Paper text: | |
| The Kingdom of the Netherlands has the opinion that a human-rights-based approach is the
only sustainable strategy for drug control, making Alternative Development (AD) the core of
our policy. Our commitment to harm reduction recognizes that the punitive approach has
repeatedly failed, and instead we advocate policies that tackle the root causes of substance
use: poverty, lack of education, and trauma. Drug control will not succeed without a global
shift towards inclusive and environmentally sustainable AD, which views people as the
priority. We must eliminate the stigma associated with substance use and addiction—a
major barrier to treatment—and commit to providing universal healthcare, including
comprehensive mental health services, as a fundamental human right. Measuring success in
drug control requires shifting metrics from seizures and arrests to tangible reductions in
these negative societal factors and measurable improvements in human welfare. More of a
qualitative approach than a quantitative approach is needed.
To this end, the Netherlands calls upon all Member States to significantly intensify their harm reduction efforts by prioritizing humanitarian efforts that improve community health and well-being. Effective drug control requires education, acceptance, and guaranteed healthcare to empower individuals to seek help and live healthy lives. Only by adopting this holistic, people-centered framework can the world limit addiction issues sustainably, foster inclusive communities, and achieve true peace and prosperity. The international community must begin to rethink their approach to substance use from one that focuses on punishment to one that embraces AD as the essential pathway to long-term stability and success. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting comprehensive and scientific evidence-based early prevention |
| Paper text: | |
| The Kingdom of the Netherlands acknowledges that in recent years, there has been an increase in accessibility and utility of illicit drugs, leading to an increase in drug-related deaths. A multi-component approach is applied throughout the country to promote early prevention, education, and reduction in drug-related deaths. There are three major components used: school programs such as the “Healthy School and Drugs” program, which promotes educational lessons, school regulations, early detection, and parent involvement. There is then legislation such as the “Opium Act,” which sets out the rules on drugs, such as distinguishing between hard and soft drugs and decriminalizing the use of drugs by focusing on drug use as a public health issue rather than a legal issue. The last component is a multitude of science-based prevention implemented through specialized treatment origins and new methods of monitoring and evaluation. Lastly, our delegation would like to work with other members of this committee to deter the growth in drug trafficking, to ensure the safety and health of our citizens. | |
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