Civil Society Perspectives on Fossil Fuel Phase-Out

What can you expect?
In the lead-up to the Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels Conference (TAFF) hosted by the Governments of the Netherlands and Colombia in April 2026, this consultation in The Hague convenes civil society, policymakers and researchers to reflect on how commitments to phase out fossil fuels can be translated into practice in a just and equitable way. The consultation will identify key priorities, highlight opportunities for engagement ahead of the conference in Colombia, and explore how civil society contributions can meaningfully feed into the broader TAFF process.

Who is it for?
This event is open to people working across policy, advocacy, research and practicewho want to engage in an open exchange on the challenges and opportunities of transitioning away from fossil fuels.

We welcome participants from civil society organisations, climate justice and environmental movements, research and knowledge institutions, organisations working on climate and energy policy, policymakers, government representatives and delegates, diplomats and embassy representatives, as well as philanthropic and international organisations engaged in climate action and sustainable development.

Programme Overview

17:00 – 17:30 | Arrival and Registration

Keynote Address

Prof. Elisa Morgera – UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights

The keynote will set the scene by outlining the human rights imperative of transitioning away from fossil fuels, drawing on her recent report on defossilising global economies and the legal obligations of states and non-state actors.

Plenary Panel Discussion

Moderator: Noemi Zenk-Agyie – Climate Advocate, World’s Youth for Climate Justice

Panel Speakers:

• Rodrigo Pinto Scholtbach – Senior Policy Coordinator, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (Netherlands)
  Perspective on Dutch policy engagement and international cooperation in fossil fuel transition processes.
• Adrián Estrada – Advisor for the Wetenschappelijke Klimaatraad (The Netherlands Scientific Climate Council)
  Scientific insights into climate policy pathways and systemic transition challenges.
• Sjoukje van Oosterhout – Member of Parliament, GroenLinks/PvdA
  Political reflections on advancing fossil fuel phase-out within national and European contexts.
• Hilde Stroot – Policy Lead Climate Justice, Oxfam Novib
  Civil society perspective on equity, justice, and global responsibility in the transition.
• Kumi Naidoo – President of The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative Perspective around justice, accountability, and global coordination.

Breakout Sessions
Participants will join smaller, interactive discussions to explore specific dimensions of a just fossil fuel phase-out:

Legal Obligations of Fossil Fuel Phase-Out
Facilitators: Henrieke Bünger (World’s Youth for Climate Justice), Mariana Campos-Vega (World’s Youth for Climate Justice), Prof. André Nollkaemper (University of Amsterdam), Maarten de Zeeuw (Greenpeace) and Marco Della Maggiore (Stop Fossil Fuel Subsidies Campaign)

Reforming Investment Law for a Just Fossil Fuel Phase-Out
Facilitators: Dr. Stephanie Triefus (T.M.C. Asser Institute), Bart-Jaap Verbeek (SOMO), Fernando Hernandez (Both Ends), Alessandra Arcuri (Erasmus University Rotterdam) and Ingo Venzke (University of Amsterdam)

Policy Tools for Transforming Supply and Demand
Facilitators: Mannes Kocken (Reclame Fossielvrij), Dr. Lieke Dreijerink (Wetenschappelijke Klimaatraad) and Dr. Harald Buijtendijk (Breda University of Appplied Sciences Academy for Tourism)

A Just Transition for Whom? Designing an Inclusive Fossil-Free Future
Facilitators: Helena Voorhuis (Youth for Climate), Ishata Rostamkhan (Youth Representative Sustainable Development), Yoeri Dijkhof (Klimaat en Energie Koepel) and Noortje van Randwijk (Jonge Klimaatbeweging)

Plenary Closing

A short reflection bringing together key insights from the breakout discussions and outlining potential next steps.

19:45 – 20:30 | Networking and Drinks

An informal networking moment to continue conversations and build connections across sectors.

Event Organisers
This event is a collaborative initiative organised by: The Hague Humanity Hub, Oxfam Novib, Milieudefensie, International Alert, Reclame FossielVrij, World’s Youth for Climate Justice, T.M.C. Asser Institute, Earth Insight and Both Ends.

Registration

• Participation is free but registration is required due to limited capacity.

Further programme details will be shared with registered participants prior to the event