His Majesty the King has granted “Permanent High Patronage” to JCI Belgium for a period of five years. This moral distinction is reserved for Belgian organizations with an outstanding reputation, a long-term vision, and a proven societal impact. The decision recognizes 90 years of continuous commitment to youth leadership.
Permanent High Patronage (Permanent Hoog Patronaat in Dutch) is a formal moral distinction granted by the King of Belgium to Belgian organizations that demonstrate an outstanding national reputation, a long-term vision, and measurable societal impact. It is a non-financial recognition, a symbolic mark of trust from the Belgian monarchy. The distinction is granted for a renewable period of five years as described on the website of the Royal Belgium Palace.
Since the founding of the first Belgian local chapter in 1936, and the official establishment of JCI Belgium in 1947, the organization has grown into a nationwide network of more than 1,300 young leaders, active both locally and internationally. Over the decades, Belgium has played a pivotal role within JCI Europe and JCI globally, hosting major international conferences and contributing to innovation and inclusive leadership.
In granting Permanent High Patronage, His Majesty the King acknowledged JCI Belgium’s historical continuity, international engagement, and present-day societal relevance. These elements come together under the annual theme “Multiplying Leaders of Tomorrow”, which reflects JCI Belgium’s ambition to empower new generations of leaders at a time when civic engagement is increasingly challenged.
“This recognition honors 90 years of dedication by generations of young leaders who chose responsibility over indifference,” says Bart Van Proeyen, National President of JCI Belgium. “It confirms that developing young leaders is a long-term investment in society’s future. At the same time, it is a call to the future. JCI Belgium continuously welcomes enthusiastic members who want to double down on their leadership development through learning by doing – by taking responsibility in concrete, high-impact projects, both locally and internationally. In 2026, these opportunities will come together through milestones such as the European Conference in Malaga, the National Convention in Genk, the World Congress in the Philippines, and a festive JCI Day in Brussels.”
