On 6 October 2002 ITC lost one of its fellows: His Royal Highness Prince Claus of the Netherlands.

Prince Claus was appointed Honorary Fellow of ITC and received the award in person from former rector Prof. Klaas Jan Beek at the ITC Dies Natalis celebration on 17 December 1993. Prince Claus was held in very high esteem in the international development cooperation community, partly because of his considerable insight and understanding of the problems involved, and partly because of his exceptional gift for expressing the hopes and anxieties felt by all.

There were earlier connections between ITC and Prince Claus too. In 1971 he officially opened the ITC building on Boulevard 1945 in Enschede.

ITC also had the honour to welcome him to the anniversary celebration in 1981, as well as on a working visit in 1984.

The ITC community will miss the sincere commitment of Prince Claus to the developing countries, as well as his loyal support for the mission of our Institute.