The topic ‘ICC after 20 years: The Possible Way Ahead’ clearly aims at the future of the International Criminal Court (ICC).1 Unfortunately, the future is uncertain. But this does not mean that we are at its mercy. If we want to shape the future we need to revive the vision for the ICC, that vision that brought the ICC into existence. Visions are not utopias; they are strategies for action and can mobilise unexpected forces. The future is of course rooted in a proper understanding of the present. Such stocktaking is the subject of this conference. Insofar I will try to interweave my thoughts with some of its topics. The conference labels the current state of affairs regarding the ICC as ‘turbulent times’. Well, there is nothing wrong with that. However, I am doubtful if this expression is apt to distinguish the present from any time in the past or the expectable future. I am not sure we can really trust that the times for the ICC will ever be calm and settled. Let me come back to that in a moment. Incidentally, I am glad that the organisers did not choose the expression ‘crisis’ as the motto of the conference because looking back at the discussions of the past years you could get the impression that the ICC is not only the first permanent international criminal court, but also the first international court in a permanent crisis. I want to present an alternative narrative to such negative descriptions and convey a more optimistic and gripping outlook for the future.