Yesterday, the Studio Bonn event “Deep Change – Cultural Foundations for a Desirable Future” took place at the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundeskunsthalle) in cooperation with the United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS). The occasion was the current UNU-EHS report entitled “Turning Over a New Leaf”, which addresses profound cultural and social changes for a sustainable future.
Zita Sebesvari from the UNU-EHS and lead author of the report, briefly presented the new report, which analyzes the underlying causes of global crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. It identifies five key approaches for change: Rethinking Waste, Refocusing Our Relationship with Nature, Rethinking Responsibility, Reshaping the Future and Redefining Values. The report emphasizes that far-reaching social transformations are only possible if existing values and structures are critically questioned. In order to enable a sustainable future, both internal levers such as a change in awareness and external levers such as political reforms should be used.
Sven Sappelt from Studio Bonn then moderated a panel discussion with Zita Sebesvari (UNU-EHS), Ellen Heinrichs (Bonn Institute) and Oliver Rack (Open Government Network Germany). The focus was on a constructive approach that emphasized the role and networking of science, media, journalism and politics. The central importance of the media as a bridge between scientific findings, political decisions and the general public was particularly emphasized. Finally, the need for a balanced interaction between all stakeholders and the value of cooperation and community were highlighted.
The new UNU-EHS report entitled “Turning Over a New Leaf” can be found on the UNU-EHS website or as a PDF here.
(Image source: Linda Lögers)