The manifesto for a Sustainable Coalition Agreement was handed over in the Lower House on Tuesday afternoon on behalf of more than 3,000 companies, organizations and educational institutions. On behalf of UN Global Compact NL, Executive Director Merei Wagenaar attended the handover moment.

"Five months after the elections, few substantive steps have been taken by the four political parties for a coalition agreement. But in the meantime, the Netherlands is rubbing up against all sorts of economic, ecological and social boundaries. Time is running out. Therefore, with a broadly supported coalition, we have already prepared a first step for a coalition agreement with which the new cabinet and the entire House of Representatives can get to work. It deals with themes such as security of existence, climate, labor market, energy, education and entrepreneurship," said Judith Maas, director SDG Netherlands.

The Sustainable Coalition Agreement offers a vision of the future of the Netherlands, addressing ecological, economic and social challenges with innovative solutions and a long-term perspective. Starting points are: to introduce a tax shift from labor to wealth and pollution, to charge real prices, to establish a government commissioner on Broad Prosperity and SDGs, and to establish a citizens' council with mandate on the transition paths.

"For entrepreneurs, especially SMEs, it is important that they know where they stand, and that policies don't change every time," Arend Kisteman (VVD) said after the handover. "So a long-term vision as in the Sustainable Coalition Agreement is very important." MP Joris Thijssen (GL-PvdA), also called it an important initiative. He appreciated the efforts of the many parties who drafted this agreement. Group chairman Frans Timmermans (GL-PvdA) said the choice is simple: "If we don't do it sustainably now, then we will do it sustainably later. And then it will only get more expensive anyway. The Dutch economy must become more sustainable to remain competitive." 

This joint manifesto illustrates the vision of various organizations and experts, who are working for a better future.

Initiators

The #DuurzaamRegeerakkoord campaign is an initiative of the SDG Netherlands Foundation, which informs, activates and connects organizations and individuals around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Co-initiators are de Nationale Jeugdraad, UN Global Compact Network Netherlands, IUCN NL, MVO Nederland, Partos en de 17 SDG Alliantie Coördinatoren. Boegbeelden van de campagne zijn: Jeroen Smit – Onderzoeksjournalist, Nawfal Al Jeburi – Duurzame Docent 2024, Saskia Egas Reparaz – CEO HEMA, Sarah Nasrawi – VN Jongerenvertegenwoordiger, Tanja Dik – CEO Johan Cruijff ArenA, Leonard Geluk – Directeur VNG.