By Chiwei Luu
Six weekends.
175 randomly selected citizens.
One complex and urgent question:
How can we, in the Netherlands, change the way we eat, travel and consume goods, in ways that are better for the climate?
Right before the summer started, the National Climate Citizens’ Assembly gathered for the sixth time. A weekend full of depth, completion and decision-making. It marked the culmination of an intense journey in which participants didn’t shy away from their differences but chose instead to use them. They listened, doubted, wrestled, shared, learned, and ultimately decided.
At Perspectivity, we’re proud to have supported this process as facilitators. And we’d like to share what we witnessed, what we learned, and what makes this kind of process truly possible.
Listening beyond the need to be right
From the very first weekend, one thing was clear: this was no easy path.
People arrived with their own convictions, concerns, and lived experiences. At the start, there was hesitation, confusion, even some friction.
“It wasn’t always easy. Staying together with all those differences. Truly learning to listen. Making room for others, even when you completely disagree.”
– Anna
And yet, something remarkable happened.
Instead of hardening, people kept returning to the conversation.
Not to win, but to move forward.
To genuinely understand where the other was coming from.
To keep seeing the whole, together.
“It wasn’t about convincing others, but about searching for connection. That’s what dialogue should be. It’s always special to witness what can emerge when you create space for real conversations – carefully facilitated, with room for both head and heart.
Simple, but not easy.”
– Han
A rich process of searching, learning and deciding
During the sixth weekend, participants worked on finalising their recommendations. They used an impact analysis by CE Delft to explore the possible effects of their proposals on the climate, economy and society. With these insights in hand, the group reviewed, refined and sharpened their proposals where needed.
Sunday was decision day. The group actively sought out differing views:
Which arguments bring in the minority voices?
How can they strengthen the recommendations?
By the end of the day, the assembly had made decisions on all recommendations.
“The citizens’ assembly didn’t just produce advice. It also showed that you can learn to listen in order to see differently. That difference is allowed, and that something new can emerge from it.”
– Chiwei
A conversation with the Ministers
On Sunday afternoon, Minister Hermans (Climate Policy and Green Growth) and Minister Uitermark (Interior and Kingdom Relations) joined the assembly. They expressed appreciation and listened closely to the experiences shared.
Many participants described their involvement as a unique experience.
“Being invited to this citizens’ assembly was a true gift. I’ve learned so much,” one participant said.
The message to the ministers was clear: don’t wait.
Start with what can already be implemented.
Be transparent about which recommendations need political decision-making.
“The next word belongs to politics. But not only to politics.
So many wise words have already been spoken. Something has started that cannot be undone.
Let this not be an exception, but a new beginning in how we shape our shared future.”
– Han
A quiet role at the sidelines
At Perspectivity, we had the honour of supporting the process as facilitators.
We collaborated with the core team, designers, researchers and many other actors to shape a process that was careful and safe, without steering content.
Our role was to hold space:
for nuance, for doubt, for difference.
To keep the conversation going, even when it got difficult.
And to support the collective process of learning and decision-making.
“We’re so glad you were here, because you were neutral,” one participant said at the end of the journey.
“That’s a beautiful compliment, because neutrality is essential, and sometimes hard work.”
– Petra
A seventh assembly?
Although most of the content work is done, the assembly will meet once more on Friday, 13 September for a seventh and final session. An extra moment, not to add new ideas, but to finalise the advisory report and reflect on the full journey.
Participants will also discuss how they want to share their experiences, insights and recommendations with the broader public. They’ll prepare for the official handover of the advice to the Dutch Cabinet and Parliament on 1 December.
These final months are about both wrapping up and looking ahead. Because this citizens’ assembly was more than a series of meetings: it was a collective practice in democratic decision-making. A living example of how difference need not divide us, it can deepen our understanding.
Of how real conversations can take us further than any debate ever could.
And how trust can emerge:
in each other, in the system,
and in what becomes possible when we truly do things together.
Curious about more?
- Curious to read our personal first reflections? You can find them here:
- Read our published essay on citizens’ assemblies: ‘Doing the right thing for ‘the right conversation’ in the citizens’ assembly’.
- Follow the National Citizens’ Assembly on Climate for the latest updates.