The Hague Scribbles: Residents of The Hague sign for peace and justice

  • Worldwide involvement
  • September 21, 2025
  • 4 min read

Hundreds of The Hague residents – young and old – unleashed their creativity for the "Haagse Krabbels" drawing competition. They created drawings on paper or digitally about the theme of peace and justice. Together, they now form one large artwork for and by the city.

Unveiling collage

On September 21, 2025, the International Day of Peace, Mayor Jan van Zanen, along with the competition winners, unveiled the collage at the bicycle parking facility next to The Hague Central Station. A place where thousands of passersby can admire the drawings in the coming weeks.

The winners

The jury—composed of creative genius and city brand ambassador Pat Smit, former minister and talented illustrator Bruno Bruins, and Meher Khan Muztar, head of marketing at the Royal Academy of Art, reviewed the entries. Together, they selected six winners in two age categories: 12 and under, and 13 and older. The winners accepted their prizes during the unveiling ceremony.

First place: Marjolijn and Hamoon

Marjoram

My drawing tells the following story: Little Jantje from The Hague has jumped off his pedestal. “Peace and security, that is where I need to be,” he shouted, rolling up his sleeves. He flew through the city, scattering peace flowers from his basket. On his desk lies a note: “Just popped into town – Arranging peace. Regards, Little Jantje.”

Second place: Anna and Joost & Joana

Third place: Fleur and Dani

The Hague Scribbles throughout the city

In the coming weeks, the Haagse Krabbels will be displayed on flags throughout The Hague. Curious about (some of) the entries? View the Haagse Krabbels here.

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Road to Summit

Haagse Krabbels is an initiative by Bureau Citybranding in the run-up to the NATO Summit in The Hague and is part of the Road to Summit fringe program. Through the competition, everyone in the city was invited to think creatively about peace and justice – the theme for which The Hague is known worldwide.

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