Chinese mayors’ academy to open in The Hague

RNW, 30 March 2012

All newly-appointed Chinese mayors will take part in a week-long programme in the Netherlands as part of their training. Deputy Mayor Henk Kool signed an agreement this week in Beijing to establish a European office of the National Academy for Mayors of China in The Hague.

Photo: Wikimedia

Chinese officials are interested in working together with existing advisory and academic institutes in The Hague in the area of public administration.

“Opening an office of this prestigious academy in our city is an honour for The Hague. This way the ties between The Hague and China will be further strengthened. Many institutes in The Hague can benefit from this,” said Kool.

Rapid urbanisation means more mayors

Because of China’s rapid urbanisation in recent decennia, the need for additional city administrators has increased. The National Academy for Mayors of China has grown accordingly.

The Hague was in the race with London, Paris and Brussels for the mayors’ academy. Last November, a delegation of 25 Chinese mayors paid a visit to The Hague, the first move towards setting up the academy.

The city council has said it will assist China with finding a suitable location for the academy. The first course will start in August.