Citizen of the World

I am writing to you about something that is very important to me. After giving the matter considerable thought I have decided that I want to become a world citizen.

I was born in The Hague, Holland, on February 2, 1950, and in January, 1971, I emigrated to New Zealand.

In trying to decide whether or not to become a naturalised New Zealander, it occurred to me that to change my allegiance from Holland to New Zealand was meaningless for me. I do not want to be considered a Dutchman, nor do I want to be called a New Zealander, but I would like to be officially recognised as a citizen of the world.

I realise that at the present time it is not possible to register as such and I am writing to suggest that a bureau be set up where those who wish it can lodge their applications for world citizenship.

Nationalism through the centuries has produced war, famine and misery. The Second World War is a clear example of the consequences of unbridled nationalism. At the present the peace of the world is continually threatened by nationalistic tensions in the Middle East and in Vietnam.

A few people with whom I have discussed this matter of world citizenship have raised the objection that in abolishing nationalism those things which are valuable in our different cultures would also be destroyed.

However, I believe that if many people join in a movement for world citizenship, national rivalries will gradually lose their meaning and a well-established and lasting world peace will come into existence, with its opportunities for a new and probably beautiful culture.

I hope that in my lifetime the name United Nations Organisation will be altered to the Organisation of the United People.

People are requested to send their suggestions, objections, comments or support to my address in order to give my idea a concrete form, for I intend to send a petition to the United Nations after having gained sufficient support.