The workshop organised by SDSN Germany discussed how sustainability transformations can succeed against the backdrop of strong polarisation and autocratisation trends worldwide.
©SDSN Germany
On 19 April, SDSN Germany organised a workshop of the Extended Steering Committee on the interrelationship between democracy and sustainability, which was attended by Prof. Anna-Katharina Hornidge as co-chair of SDSN Germany and Dr Axel Berger as head of the SDSN Germany office. IDOS was also represented by Dr Julia Leininger, who gave a presentation on the global protection of democracy.
The discussion took place at the Institute for Ecological Economy Research in Berlin. Democracy, as the basis of a negotiation process orientated towards the common good for an accelerated sustainability transformation, is under pressure. In the global super election year 2024, half of the world’s population will go to the polls in more than 70 countries.
At the same time, we are seeing an expansion of autocratic systems of government in many countries. How much democracy do transformations towards sustainability need? Which narratives capable of winning a majority can promote democracy and transformation? What capacities for democracy and transformation do we need – collectively and individually? How can democracy be protected and promoted worldwide?
