Two years ago, almost no one in the Netherlands had heard of a “citizens' assembly“, and now this new form of democracy is gaining momentum at a rapid pace. In more and more places, residents are able to have a say and help make decisions on issues that politicians alone cannot resolve.”
Together with a coalition of dozens of organizations (including the CHE) and thousands of residents, Bureau Burgerberaad has been advocating since 2020 for a national citizens’ assembly on climate policy. And successfully: Last July, Minister Rob Jetten asked the House of Representatives to make a decision regarding a citizen's assembly on climate change.
Some problems are so intractable that politics alone cannot solve them. A many-headed monster like the energy and climate crisis requires a multifaceted approach. That is why many countries around us are organizing national citizens’ assemblies. In a citizens’ assembly, 150 citizens selected by lottery work together to devise solutions to the most complex problems. The participants meet over a number of weekends, receive all the information they need, discuss possible solutions in depth, and then decide together on the best course of action.
And guess what? Ordinary people are perfectly capable of coming up with measures together that are feasible, adequate, and fair.
Bureau Burgerberaad consists of a group of residents who want to strengthen democracy so that it can withstand the challenges of the 21st century. These include climate change and biodiversity loss, as well as unequal access to basic services (such as energy and water), polarization, geopolitical tensions, and disinformation. Since 2020, they have been working toward a strong democracy in which politicians and citizens join forces to tackle complex social issues, ensuring that these issues no longer lead to division but rather to policies that are effective, inclusive, and future-proof. The first step: a well-organized national citizens’ consultation on climate change.
In October, national politics will take a major step forward. At that time, the House of Representatives will discuss whether to organize a national citizens’ assembly and under what conditions its findings will be adopted.
That is why Bureau Burgerberaad is launching the campaign: If you ask me to enable everyone in the Netherlands to join the conversation about the national citizens' assembly. https://www.burgerberaadklimaat.nu/
