On January 21, 2026, the University of Rzeszów had the honor of hosting Jennes de Mol, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands met with the authorities of the University of Rzeszów, during which they discussed, among other things, issues of academic cooperation, the importance of public diplomacy, and the role of universities in shaping international relations.

The highlight of the visit was an open lecture for students. The lecture, entitled “Peace, Profits and Principles,” attracted a large group of students, academics, and people interested in international relations.

In his speech, Ambassador Jennes de Mol introduced the audience to the key pillars of Dutch foreign policy, which for centuries have been referred to as Peace, Profits, and Principles. The speaker reflected on the relevance of these principles in the context of the dynamically changing geopolitical situation and contemporary international challenges, such as armed conflicts, economic security, and the protection of democratic values. The lecture was conducted in English and met with great interest and active participation in the discussion.

The visit of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the University of Rzeszów was an important element in building an international perspective in the academic environment of the university.

Jennes de Mol (born August 12, 1963, in Eindhoven) is a Dutch diplomat who has served as Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Poland and Belarus since 2024. From 2019 to 2024, he was Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ukraine, and prior to that, he served as Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (2014–2015). From 2011 to 2014, he served as Consul General in St. Petersburg, and from 2008 to 2011, he was Deputy Ambassador to the Czech Republic. During his career, he has also held numerous senior positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including Director of Human Resources Management (2015–2019) and Head of the Career Development Department (2005–2008). He was the Dutch civilian representative in the province of Uruzgan (Afghanistan) and co-led, together with Brigadier General Kees van den Heuvel, Task Force Uruzgan (ISAF 2010) and Provincial Reconstruction Teams 8 and 9. Jennes de Mol is a graduate of Radboud University in Nijmegen, where he obtained master's degrees in international law and classical philology (Greek and Latin languages and culture). He speaks several foreign languages, including Polish.

fot. Michał Święcicki