Last Tuesday, March 3rd, was the 12th sector meeting of the Learning Platform Energy & Environment (LEO). Very fittingly, we also had 12 discussion tables with various topics within the theme: Smarticipation, from ‘how do we do it?’ to ‘we can do it!’
These kinds of meetings usually drain your energy, but this one actually energizes you.
After the plenary kickoff by speakers David Peters, Eefje Cuppen, and Peter Schmeitz, participants discussed in smaller groups where the friction points lie regarding (citizen) participation. They also talked about (successful) collaboration between government and stakeholders, and a new Poldermodel. However, discussions also touched upon polarization, Overvecht going gas-free, and the Environmental Council.
We've never had as many participants as at our last sector meeting. Looking back at recent years and LEO's goals, it's good to see that we still meet a need. What makes LEO strong is the commitment of our members who share knowledge in a trusted atmosphere. As the quote indicates (and what we often hear), people go home full of energy and with more knowledge.
For the first few years, we at LEO focused heavily on inspiring participants to share knowledge about environmental management to accelerate the energy transition. Networking and getting to know each other were also recurring themes in organizing our activities. A core group has now formed, and our participants are asking to expand the network. The more perspectives at the table, the more interesting the conversations and the more complete the picture. And that is precisely the core of LEO's creation: the desire to bring together diverse parties from the energy sector, (non-profit) organizations, and government to collaborate on the energy transition and the environment.
As LEO's program manager, I am happy with and proud of what we have accomplished together. We still have many plans, and reactions like the one on March 3rd energize not only our participants but also myself during our meetings.
