Peter is passionate about strengthening local governance worldwide, be it in local peacebuilding programmes in Eastern Europe or the Middle East or in international cooperation between municipalities or international programmes for capacity building of local authorities. For over 30 years, Peter led VNG International, the international cooperation agency of the Association of Dutch Municipalities. In this capacity and as chair of the Capacity and Institution Building Platform of UCLG (United Cities and Local Governments), he launched many new programmes and initiatives to support local governments, such as the foundation of The Hague Academy for Local Governance.