By Jaap Huurman (NL)
Jan Terlouw, a former famous politician and children’s book writer, was the first Ambassador of the Dutch Grandparents for Climate until he died in May, 2025 in the age of 93. As such three years ago he inspired us as the initiator of the ‘Toekomst Stoel’ (= the ‘Future Chair’), namely the empty chair for the future generations, which should fit in all board rooms and parliaments, because in all decision making it is urgent to consider what is needed for future generations.
This chair can be ordered in two different models at the headquarters of the Dutch Grandparents for Climate and it was heartwarming that even the National Police and the Royal Dutch Weather Institute (KNMI) have bought one!
The Grandparents offer this Future Chair also all over the country to municipal councils. The City of Eindhoven was the first in the Netherlands that accepted one and so far more than twenty did. In November for example it was proposed to the City Council of Arnhem by Frans Nieuwenhuizen: “This chair is symbol for the generation to come, which have no vote yet and as mentioned by Jan Terlouw once: the not-yet-born grandchildren”.
From the Netherlands we look forward to the first Future Chair to be offered abroad: the picture on top of this News item may inspire you!
The “Toekomst stoel” can be ordered here or contact us for more details.