On 17 August, a meeting was held to introduce Han Steijnebrugh, the new Chair of Religions for Peace Netherlands (Religie voor Vrede Nederland), to the Presidential Board of the European National Interreligious Bodies (ENIB) in Religions for Peace Europe.
The meeting was attended by ENIB and Religions for Peace Europe President Prof. Genti Kruja, Vice President Dr. Marcel Israel, and the former Chair of Religions for Peace Netherlands, Mirjam Ates-Snijdewind.
The participants discussed the continuation of cooperation between the organisations, the strengthening of interfaith dialogue, and the development of joint initiatives promoting peace, reconciliation, and understanding among religious communities.
Prof. Kruja thanked Mirjam Ates-Snijdewind for her leadership, dedication, and valuable contribution over the years. He praised her role in strengthening the organisation and promoting interfaith cooperation.
President Kruja congratulated Han Steijnebrugh on his new appointment, wished him every success in leading the organisation, and expressed ENIB’s readiness to continue and expand their cooperation.
Han Steijnebrugh has assumed the role of Chair of Religions for Peace Netherlands, succeeding Mirjam Ates-Snijdewind, who will remain actively involved in the organisation as a member of its Executive Board.
The new Chair brings 18 years of experience in interfaith work. During this period, he has contributed as a board member, organiser, fundraiser, working-group member, and ambassador at local, national, and international levels.
In his message to the organisation’s members, partners, and friends, Steijnebrugh described taking on the role as both an honour and a responsibility. He emphasised his intention to build on the strong foundations established over the years while guiding the organisation into a new phase.
The priorities of the new leadership include strengthening membership, with particular attention to young people; involving interns and volunteers; publishing a regular newsletter; increasing the organisation’s online and social-media presence; improving the protection of personal data; and expanding cooperation with partners in the Netherlands and internationally.
Under its new leadership, and with the continued contribution of Mirjam Ates-Snijdewind as a member of the Executive Board, Religions for Peace Netherlands aims to strengthen the voice of interfaith cooperation, reconciliation, and peace in society.
