Two very different national-level assemblies started their work in the last few days. The Nationaal Burgerberaad Klimaat, commissioned by the Dutch government, is the largest climate assembly to date. The Norwegian Framtidspanelet is the latest in the emerging wave of assemblies commissioned by civil society organisations.
On the weekend of the 18 and 19 January, the 175-strong Dutch national Climate Assembly met for the first time to consider the question: ‘How can we, as the Netherlands eat, use things and travel in a way that is better for the climate?’. The Assembly has been commissioned by the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth and the Ministry of the Interior. It will meet a further five times before presenting its recommendations to the government in September, which is committed to respond within six months.
The 66-person Citizens’ Assembly for Norway’s Future has been commissioned by seven civil society organisations and is tackling the broad question: ‘Norway is one of the richest countries in the world. How can we use our wealth to benefit the world, ourselves and future generations?’ One of the sub-questions asks specifically about how its oil fund should be used now and in the future. The Assembly had its initial orientation meeting on 14 January and will meet for a further eight sessions (six of which will be online), before presenting its recommendations in May.
KNOCA continues to provide support to the organisers of both assemblies and looks forward to sharing learnings from the processes amongst our community. We wish the members, organisers, commissioners and everyone involved with the assemblies well with their deliberations and look forward to the impacts that will flow from their work.
Find out more:
Official website of the Nationaal Burgerberaad Klimaat
Official website of the Framtidspanelet
