On 20 January 2026, the Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague hosted Connecting Culture, a lively networking event that brought together the city’s cultural sector, embassies, and international organizations. Ambassador Lambert Dushimimana attended alongside a diverse and highly engaged audience, creating a strong foundation for exchange and collaboration.

The program featured inspiring speeches by Ms. Saskia Bruines, Deputy Mayor of The Hague, and H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Dean of the Corps Diplomatique, followed by networking, drinks, and bites. With a strong turnout, the event offered valuable opportunities to connect and explore sustainable partnerships.

Networking focused on key themes, including The Hague’s candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2033, emphasizing the link between local and international communities.

The evening was powerfully captured by the Rwandan spoken word artist Lisette Ma Neza:

“Let us dig deeper into Art as a form of Diplomacy as a Voice, as a Force, as a Law. Indeed, there’s an urgency — indeed, a natural necessity in this opportunity to connect… Connecting Culture.”

Photos: Fleur Beemster