The KIN network is bursting with people who are working hard all year round to make the Netherlands climate-proof for the future. This summer, we are pressing pause for a moment and letting 10 of them tell their stories.
Katja Out - Juristen voor een Duurzame Wereld (JDW)
Katja Out works as a corporate lawyer at an insurance company and is chair of the board of Jurists for a Sustainable World (JDW), an initiative that mobilises lawyers to actively contribute to a sustainable and just society.
What motivates you?
“I was looking for more meaning and impact and saw the opportunity to achieve this at JDW because it challenges lawyers, precisely because it challenges them to not just keep their expertise on paper, but to use it for real social change. JDW connects legal professionals through climate tables, knowledge sessions, a biennial conference and a growing online knowledge base. In this way, we are building a network that uses legal knowledge to support and accelerate the major transitions of our time.”
What challenges do you see?
The power of legal knowledge goes beyond paper. The JDW network demonstrates this. The perspectives are diverse, ranging from corporate lawyers and attorneys to government lawyers and NGOs. This is precisely what creates room for innovative solutions. I believe that inspiring colleagues should ultimately become unnecessary: ESG values should be self-evident in every legal consideration.
We’re not there yet, but we’re heading in the right direction. This requires a strong network that focuses on knowledge, collaboration and content. The network grant that JDW has received through KIN will help us to continue organising (physical) events. But the network also plays a central role online: the website is really becoming a platform that lawyers can use as a starting point.”
What object symbolises your climate mission and that of JDW?
‘The green branch in the hand of Lady Justice fits in with our view: lawyers should not only pursue justice, but also care for people, nature and future generations. It connects the pursuit of justice with the pursuit of a sustainable, liveable world.’
