Abel Koentjes is a philosopher, entrepreneur, activist and artist. From this multifaceted background he asks how societal, technological and ecological developments can contribute to a just and sustainable future.
As an ethicist at Alliander, he works on the ethical questions arising within the energy transition and inside a large organisation — exploring themes such as responsibility, public values, justice and the societal impact of strategic choices.
Alongside his work at Alliander, Abel represents future generations within Young on Board of the Amsterdam Economic Board, bringing the long-term perspective into regional questions around economics, innovation and sustainability. In his thinking and actions, he connects philosophy, creativity and societal engagement — always looking for new ways to move people, ideas and systems towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
Almost every party in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area claims to pursue the common good. Almost every party acts primarily from self-interest — and that's not cynical, it's rational, given the structures they operate within. The problem isn't the people. It's a system that rewards defending your own position.
The question is not how to make people less self-interested, but how to change the rules so that collaboration becomes more rational than competition. And how young professionals — who are not yet locked into existing interests and coalitions — can drive that change.
How it works
Five tables, each with a concrete MRA case where conflicting interests are blocking progress — from grid congestion and land-use disputes to AI data-sharing between competitors. Each table is not a lobbyist for one party. Each table is the architect of a new rule.
Sprint structure: 0–5 min problem sharpening · 5–20 min stakeholder analysis · 20–35 min design a new rule · 35–40 min: 90-second pitch per table.
Deliverable
Five concrete rule designs — not policy documents, but agreements that could realistically be made tomorrow. Output goes directly to Young on Board and the Amsterdam Economic Board as input for their advocacy work.
Tickets give you full-day access to all sessions, workshops and networking.