The First Hague Conference, held in The Hague, Netherlands, was a significant international gathering that took place in 1899, driven by the need for a framework to guide nations on war conduct and conflict resolution. Initiated by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, who sought lasting peace amid the growing hostility at the time, the conference brought together representatives from 26 states. They discussed principles of international law, advocating for disarmament while promoting diplomacy as a means of resolving disputes. The primary outcome was the signing of the First Hague Convention, which established key principles aimed at protecting the rights of both combatants and non-combatants in wartime. Among the convention's agreements was the stipulation on the use of certain conventional weapons and the treatment of prisoners of war, which marked a substantial advance in humanitarian law.

Additionally, the conference facilitated the emergence of international organizations focused on diplomacy and conflict resolution. By addressing methods for peaceful negotiations, the convention encouraged countries to seek dialogue over warfare. Notable among the proceedings was the establishment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, aimed at providing mediatory services to settle disputes peacefully, enhancing the framework for future international cooperation and legal standards.