Jan van de Venis
“Law is on our side; a healthy environment is a human right.”
Jan van de Venis is a legal expert for NGOs, companies and (government) institutions as well as a nature lover. He talks about the inseparable connection between human and nature rights.
Law and ethics form the foundation of everything Jan van de Venis undertakes in his life and career. After law school, he started his career in commercial law, but left this world after only a few years for a position as a lawyer at Greenpeace International.
“Everything revolved around money; it didn’t make me happy. At the same time, I became increasingly aware of the pressure on nature and the planet, and that our current law does not work to protect it.”
So, Jan started looking for ways to use his legal expertise to contribute to change. He discovered that to a great extent we already had the law on our side through human rights and children’s rights.
“It is already enshrined in human rights that we have the right to a healthy environment and clean water sources. With that, there is also a duty to protect them.”
Jan attended the International Human Rights Academy in 2005 and has been passionately committed to human rights and children’s rights ever since. In 2007 he founded JustLaw, where he advises and trains the United Nations, NGOs, (government) institutions and companies on legal issues concerning the environment and human rights. He supported Groningen people and residents of the IJmond region in UN Projects and various NGOs in court cases against organizations that harm nature and people.
In addition, Jan is co-founder of Fossil Free NL, guest lecturer on human rights, environment, and future generations. Jan is also committed to anchoring rights for nature in our law, sits on the Advisory Board of Stop Ecocide International and is acting Ombudsperson for Future Generations. Jan is also ‘Harmony with Nature Expert’ at the United Nations, chairman of Texel Dunes National Park and a speaker, including at TEDx and for Speakers for Good. The crowning glory of his work was the UN Human Rights Prize that the coalition of NGOs, Jan was involved with StandUpForYourRights – Global Coalition for the Right to a Healthy Environment – won at the end of 2023.
In everything he does, he contributes to shaping the foundations for a just, sustainable, and inclusive society.
Jan van de Venis is a legal expert for NGOs, companies and (government) institutions as well as a nature lover. He talks about the inseparable connection between human and nature rights. Law and ethics form the foundation of everything Jan van de Venis undertakes in his life and career. After law school, he started his career in commercial law, but left this world after only a View more…
"It is time to realize that we as humans are part of the natural world."
"The government and corporations are not doing enough. They will be called to court more and more often. More and more cases will be won; victories for nature and future generations!"
Legislation to beat with a stick or with opportunity.
In 2012, Jan van de Venis attended the “Rio Summit” – the major UN conference in Rio de Janeiro dedicated to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here he met the Hungarian Ombudsman for Future Generations. This greatly inspired him to bring into the social conversation not only the here and now, but also the interests of people not yet born. After all, these people will have to deal with the short-term choices we make now. He therefore advocates that the Netherlands should also have an independent regulator sit at the board tables, sitting there for the interests of future generations.
“Seven-generation thinking is a great way to be able to visualize the long term; make it tangible. How do we want our own grandchildren and great-grandchildren to grow up? Remarkably, almost everyone I ask has a similar picture of the ideal future.”
According to Jan, imagining this and long-term empathy also makes it easier to make the connection between parties who have seemingly conflicting interests. By thinking together about the long term, shared interests become clear.
“Take farmers and protectors of natural areas for example; by seeing what the long-term importance of biodiversity is for all parties, they can see each other as allies.”
Jan often speaks of the effects of holding up “the carrot or the stick.” It raises questions such as: do you choose to go ahead and see a lack of compelling legislation as an opportunity to shape a brighter future for yourself? Or do you wait until you are forced to change? Jan knows which option he would choose, but unfortunately this is not yet a common practice and thus “the stick” remains a necessary tool.
“Companies will have to go to court more often. The first cases are already being won: victory for nature and future generations.”
According to Jan, companies are still not given enough restrictions on their behavior and its effect on the environment. Even more reason for Jan to continue unabatedly working for human rights, children’s rights, and nature rights. A development he sees slowly moving forward is the possibility of being able to hold directors liable for the choices they make.
“I see it happening that soon you will be able to be sued as a director for violation of human and natural rights, with the damages also being recovered for you. It’s probably already possible, but best to put this into law quickly. Then factors other than shareholder profit will suddenly come into play in decision-making.”
Want to book Jan van de Venis as a speaker?
Would you like to book Jan as a speaker for your event? Ask about the possibilities and his availability.
Why invite Jan van de Venis as a speaker for your event?
1. Positive
Despite the weighty topics which he speaks about, he manages to deliver his message with air, humor, and a positive note. Developments in the law offer hope.
2. Seasoned
Jan has earned his stripes, not only as a lawyer, but also through the enormous variety of positions he has held (and still holds) within various organizations, public administration, and NGOs.
3. Personal
Jan engages you directly in his personal story, in which he talks about making the move from the commercial legal profession to using his power for human and nature rights. He takes you into his development journey.
4. Courage
Jan proves how you can make a big difference despite doubt and resistance if you can find the courage and willingness. What do you choose? You too, can be a good ancestor.
5. Hopeful
Jan shows with his story that committing to a better world is not wishful thinking, but that individual and collective action can create a butterfly effect. Justice is already on our side, now to make sure it prevails!
1. Positive
Despite the weighty topics which he speaks about, he manages to deliver his message with air, humor, and a positive note. Developments in the law offer hope.
2. Seasoned
Jan has earned his stripes, not only as a lawyer, but also through the enormous variety of positions he has held (and still holds) within various organizations, public administration, and NGOs.
3. Personal
Jan engages you directly in his personal story, in which he talks about making the move from the commercial legal profession to using his power for human and nature rights. He takes you into his development journey.
4. Courage
Jan proves how you can make a big difference despite doubt and resistance if you can find the courage and willingness. What do you choose? You too, can be a good ancestor.
5. Hopeful
Jan shows with his story that committing to a better world is not wishful thinking, but that individual and collective action can create a butterfly effect. Justice is already on our side, now to make sure it prevails!
Questions for:
Jan van de Venis
What really makes you happy?
“I am an alpinist and when I go climbing, I enjoy the overwhelmingly beautiful nature around me. I also enjoy exploring nature with my family. My wife is a coach, and we have regular reflective conversations. For example, we noticed that photos shown at funerals are almost always taken in nature, preferably with family, and never actually at work. That perfectly captures the essence of what is important in our lives, doesn’t it?”
For Good: What does 'good' mean to you?
“For me, good means respect for everything that lives. Nature is part of me, and I am, we are, part of nature. That relationship deserves our respect and protection, and of course, working for human rights and the projects with which I am affiliated. Not only is this about nature, but also about meeting people’s basic social needs now.. All in all, I just want to be a good ancestor for future generations; of all that lives.”
Walk the talk: how are you of value?
“I only do business and assignments that I fully believe myself; I set out to do that a long time ago. As a result, my message comes from the heart and people feel that. It is always my personal story. In addition, of course, my experience as a human rights lawyer and the many projects which I have contributed also carries some weight.”
Do you have an example or source of inspiration yourself?
“Nobel laureate Amartya Sen set me on a new path about 10 years ago. He said, ‘Human rights and environmentalists know exactly what the world should look like. They just often have no idea how to take the world as it works today there ‘.
I picked up on that: External pressure is good and necessary, but real change comes from within yourself. That’s how you make it in society. I am now working far more consciously. Of course, I also criticize, but I like to work with companies, institutions, and public administrations on how things can be done, based on best practice. So that they start doing what they should already be doing (from law and ethics).”
What really makes you happy?
“I am an alpinist and when I go climbing, I enjoy the overwhelmingly beautiful nature around me. I also enjoy exploring nature with my family. My wife is a coach, and we have regular reflective conversations. For example, we noticed that photos shown at funerals are almost always taken in nature, preferably with family, and never actually at work. That perfectly captures the essence of what is important in our lives, doesn’t it?”
For Good: What does 'good' mean to you?
“For me, good means respect for everything that lives. Nature is part of me, and I am, we are, part of nature. That relationship deserves our respect and protection, and of course, working for human rights and the projects with which I am affiliated. Not only is this about nature, but also about meeting people’s basic social needs now.. All in all, I just want to be a good ancestor for future generations; of all that lives.”
Walk the talk: how are you of value?
“I only do business and assignments that I fully believe myself; I set out to do that a long time ago. As a result, my message comes from the heart and people feel that. It is always my personal story. In addition, of course, my experience as a human rights lawyer and the many projects which I have contributed also carries some weight.”
Do you have an example or source of inspiration yourself?
“Nobel laureate Amartya Sen set me on a new path about 10 years ago. He said, ‘Human rights and environmentalists know exactly what the world should look like. They just often have no idea how to take the world as it works today there ‘.
I picked up on that: External pressure is good and necessary, but real change comes from within yourself. That’s how you make it in society. I am now working far more consciously. Of course, I also criticize, but I like to work with companies, institutions, and public administrations on how things can be done, based on best practice. So that they start doing what they should already be doing (from law and ethics).”
Keynotes
Would you like to book Jan as a (keynote) speaker for a conference, lecture, or event? Below you will find a selection of keynotes. Customized program? Ask for the possibilities.
The best possible future
In three steps
This keynote is about long-term thinking and how we can be the best possible ancestor for future generations. The generations that may are not yet will suffer the consequences of our short-term choices. You will be taken through three steps by Jan: 1. Connecting with your own ancestors (where did you come from?). 2. With nature and the environment in which you yourself now live. 3. You think about the (extreme) long term and what future you wish for your great-grandchildren. An inspiring journey in which you learn to look from new perspectives.
The future dinner
Three-Generation Menu
This keynote contains the same elements as the keynote ‘The most beautiful possible future’, only it is formed a menu, perfect to integrate into a (company) dinner. The ‘menu’ consists of:
Star (parent) dish.
Main (and heart) dish.
Toe(bowl) dish.
Carrot or stick?
Law as opportunity or stick to beat with?
Jan is also called a “legal influencer” by others. In this keynote, Jan discusses the role of law (especially human and children’s law) in social development and sustainability issues. He asks the question: do you see opportunities and want to be part of the solution, or do you wait for legislation and litigation to force change? Despite the urgency, he takes the audience through major issues in a fresh, smooth, and enjoyable way. In doing so, he draws on his own rich knowledge and experience from the legal profession and various NGO projects to which Jan has contributed.
The best possible future
In three steps
This keynote is about long-term thinking and how we can be the best possible ancestor for future generations. The generations that may are not yet will suffer the consequences of our short-term choices. You will be taken through three steps by Jan: 1. Connecting with your own ancestors (where did you come from?). 2. With nature and the environment in which you yourself now live. 3. You think about the (extreme) long term and what future you wish for your great-grandchildren. An inspiring journey in which you learn to look from new perspectives.
The future dinner
Three-Generation Menu
This keynote contains the same elements as the keynote ‘The most beautiful possible future’, only it is formed a menu, perfect to integrate into a (company) dinner. The ‘menu’ consists of:
Star (parent) dish.
Main (and heart) dish.
Toe(bowl) dish.
Carrot or stick?
Law as opportunity or stick to beat with?
Jan is also called a “legal influencer” by others. In this keynote, Jan discusses the role of law (especially human and children’s law) in social development and sustainability issues. He asks the question: do you see opportunities and want to be part of the solution, or do you wait for legislation and litigation to force change? Despite the urgency, he takes the audience through major issues in a fresh, smooth, and enjoyable way. In doing so, he draws on his own rich knowledge and experience from the legal profession and various NGO projects to which Jan has contributed.
Who owns nature - TEDxAmsterdam
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Nederland Maakt Impact Topconference
2022
TEDxAmsterdam
Set-up 'The Future Dinner' with Jan van de Venis
Set-up 'The Future Dinner' with Jan van de Venis
A selection of companies that Jan van de Venis already had impactful collaborations with….
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“Together with aldermen and a great diversity of Almonds, we had a great inspiration dinner. This tastes like more!” – Hein van der Loo, Mayor of Almere on LinkedIn
“I was impressed by the method of presentation (working format and approach) at this dinner.”
“Thanks for the inspiring dinner, nice how you managed to tie everything together”
“While enjoying a delicious meal, Jan took us through past, present and future in steps in a special way. With a super toe(koms)tje: A look into the world of generations to come.”
– Participants ToekomstDiner Trendbureau Overijssel Zwolle
Several references ‘The Future Dinner’ -
Springtij Festival session ‘Wadden Sea as legal entity’
“Top moderation by Jan. Substantively passionate about protecting nature and the world of future generations, he gave very good space for different opinions and allowed all speakers and the audience to speak well. In doing so, he monitored the program and time perfectly.” – Tessa van Soest, Executive Director B Corp Europe
B Corp Europe -
“At our event – for the launch of a toolkit to give nature a place in corporate governance – Jan grabbed the lead from the first minute, got everyone talking well, used humour and his experience to manage the event: everything on time and everyone satisfied. The event was a great success. Partly due to Jan’s moderation.” – Prof Tineke Lambooy
Nyenrode -
“Jan inspired over 250 people from the education sector through his keynote and in-depth future session at the Amstel & Meer Day with the theme “On to the Future”. Sustainable leadership, how do you do that? Dare to make future-proof choices. Jan took us along the major sustainability themes and social developments of today and talked to young people present about what is needed for a brighter future. For ourselves, our planet and future generations. Feedback from the audience was: ‘innovative, surprising and very inspiring’.” – Secondary Education Collaborative Association Amstelland and Meerlanden
SWVAM -
“Jan’s keynote on long-term thinking, future generations and our connection to and rights for nature was very inspiring. Serious, gripping and at the same time with humour, hopeful and activating. I received a lot of positive feedback from colleagues.” – Bianca de Wit, Environmental Manage
Triodos Bank
