Closing Chapter
As we closed this chapter of Ready to Explore: Green & Just Futures, those questions had evolved into roadmaps, and the individuals into a community. While the kick-off was about opening doors, the closing session was about looking back at the work and the doors entered. The main goal was to reflect, as Betty, the PLNT coordinator behind the project, said: “reflection is the main way to bring value”.
We moved through different reflective stations, dissecting the victories and challenges that shaped the participants’ experience in the last weeks. It became clear in this journey that our professional lives and personal lives are not two separate entities, but one only. The session was a chance for young climate changemakers to connect, reflect on the current state of the sector, and learn from Jule’s inspiring career journey and insights into climate justice.
Legacy Evolution: Redefining the Vision
We asked the participants to look back at the “self” that entered the room in October. What brought them here initially, and how has their vision of Climate Justice shifted? Has their purpose been transformed?
For many, the abstract became concrete. We celebrated the shift from thinking to doing, as seen vividly in one participant who had been looking for a job, but decided to start volunteering as a way to engage with Climate Justice by working with climate refugees. The group realized that they don’t need to wait to start building their legacy step-by-step every day.
Dimensional Discoveries: The Power of Narrative
Using the programme’s framework, participants explored six dimensions of their professional identities, discovering hidden strengths and unexpected connections. The dimensions ranged from community to technology, context, and others.
Copyright: Sacha Verheij/The Hague Humanity Hub (Matteo Kaiser)
“Your boredom is capital, you can weaponise it into a tool.” – Matteo Kaiser
One of the struggles discussed was narrowing down into one topic only when you are interested in many climate justice related projects. We discussed the danger of “dancing at too many weddings”, and the necessity to take a break, and be conscious of your mental health. One insight from a participant was the need to be still: “your boredom is capital, you can weaponise it into a tool.”
We also saw the power of letting go of rigid expectations. Maria Angelica, one of the participants, for instance, entered the programme with the focus on finding a job related to climate justice. Through the process, she prioritized connection, attending events, and being truly present. The result? She gained a new community: “I especially appreciated the sense of community: knowing I’m not alone in this process makes a big difference”
A Growing Toolkit of Skills
In the reflection of our ‘growing toolkit, we looked at the hard and soft skills developed over the last three months. Matteo, already highly skilled in pitching his startup of software for beekeepers for funding, used the programme to step back, question the need of his community:
“Conversations with peers, like Alex from Space4Good, and tools like user surveys gave me fresh insights and helped me rethink my approach. It’s not just about creating what I like but co-creating with the community I serve. The programme gave me clarity and renewed purpose.”
The consensus was clear: ‘small and consistent action is what drives us. While the urge to “change the world” is present, the group realized that everyday actions are the true engine of change.
The Journey Continues
This session was not a goodbye; it was a transition. The connection between PLNT and The Hague Humanity Hub provided a diverse ground for these changemakers to meet, including the valuable Handshakes sessions, interactions that participants noted were crucial for diversity and perspective of different journeys towards climate action.
As we wrap up Ready to Explore, we are left with a powerful reminder: the community is alive, the support network is built, and the next steps are ready to be taken.
In partnership with PLNT, The Hague Humanity Hub is proud to explore the next phase of the programme that will be open for applications at the beginning of the next year. Stay up to date by following our newsletter and website!
Copyright: Sacha Verheij/The Hague Humanity Hub (Maria Angelíca)
“If you join, commit to all the sessions. You’ll gain knowledge, build a network, and discover new directions. I’d recommend this programme to students and anyone looking to transition into the climate sector.” – Maria Angelíca
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Ready to Explore
Ready to Explore: Green and Just Futures is a programme launched by PLNT The Hague and The Hague Humanity Hub. It is a 3-month journey, running from October to December 2025. It is for those who want to do more on climate justice, but don’t know how – this is where young professionals and students formulate their questions, test ideas and learn how to take their next step forward.
Within the programme of Ready to Explore, we organised three Handshakes on climate justice. The Handshake, part of Hub’s Talent for Good programme, provides a valuable opportunity to hear directly from experienced professionals working in peace and justice.
For additional career inspiration and guidance, explore our Career Insights, an online resource featuring diverse career paths and practical advice from professionals in our community.
Discover opportunities through Talent for Good here.
Find out more about the Ready to Explore programme