For almost 10 years, Safety & Security has been one of the most important spearheads of World Forum The Hague. We have a lot of experience with high-security conferences and our priority is the safety of our guests and our team. Marije Bouwman, Director of Operations, Safety & Security explains what Safety & Security means and why it is so important for our location. In her role, Marije is ultimately responsible for all operational activities within the World Forum The Hague. This includes departments such as F&B, Project Management, Duty Management, Security and Audiovisual.
Her ultimate goal is to ensure that the events run smoothly and safely with the team.

Then and now: What has changed?

Marije: “Safety & Security is playing an increasingly important role in World Forum's daily life. Compared to 10 years ago, so many things have changed. Safety & Security is now a standard procedure that can no longer be ignored at an event. Mainly because of the incidents that take place worldwide, making everyone much more aware of the risks when many people are together.
We have been able to host very nice conferences of a high level such as the NSS, GES, and recently the Ukraine Accountability Conference. Safety & Security was an important part of this. People must be safe at all times and feel safe through visible and invisible security.

Over the years, a Safety & Security department and a Crisis Management Team have been set up at World Forum. This trained team plays an increasingly important role within the organization.
“Customers know that the building is always well secured and that their guests and their own team are always safe. The team is very discreet and knows how to guarantee the privacy of the customer”.

Keeping up with the latest developments: What about Cybersecurity?

Marije: “World Forum is a company that adapts flexibly to all global developments. Partly due to the Corona pandemic, the importance of online safety is indispensable. Many events took place online and the focus was mainly on data protection. It is increasingly important for the customer to secure their event online as well. This is a lasting change in which we develop.

Crisis Management: How do we guarantee this high level?

Marije: “We do intensive training with the Crisis Management Team, during which we draw up a Crisis Management manual and we keep it up to date. Various scenarios are described in this manual. In addition, a tailor-made event-specific risk analysis is made for each event, in which the risks are mapped and actions are determined to minimize these risks. This provides the customer with advice and it is possible to coordinate which measures will be taken. This is a service that World Forum offers to ensure that an event runs smoothly and safely.

The discretion and vigilance of the staff have the highest priority. Due to the advice and guidelines drawn up, we offer the organization and visitors a safe environment. With close cooperation with our environments such as the emergency services and the municipality, our organization is located on one of the safest square meters in the Netherlands. With a building next to UN territory, we comply with the strict rules of the international zone.”

Want to know more about Safety & Security?

Feel free to contact Marije Bouwman.