Roundtable on democratic experimentation and sustainability transformations

Across the world, alternative imaginaries of more democratic and sustainable praxis are emerging. While the potential contribution of forms of democratic experimentation to sustainability is widely acknowledged, we still lack an understanding of their contribution to wider sustainability transformations. In particular, comparative approaches are lacking that bring together insights from across different world regions and different forms of democratic experimentation.

This session therefore aims to delve into the dynamic intersection of democratic experimentation and sustainability transformations by bringing together and comparing insights from several case studies.

This Roundtable showcases diverse cases, such as sustainability grassroots movements, autonomous communities, deliberative democracy practices, food collectives, and transition labs. Each case study will provide insights into the entry points for these initiatives, ranging from sustainability, democracy, to disaster responses.

Moreover, each contribution will discuss how democratic practices are envisioned and practiced within these initiatives. Through concise pitches (5 minutes each), speakers will elucidate the contributions and limitations of their respective case studies in terms of fostering just sustainability transformations. This may include reflections on the emergence of new imaginaries for sustainability, post-capitalist praxis, more-than-human constituencies, issues of scale and institutionalization, relations to the state, and reflections on equity and justice.

Following the pitches, the session will transition into an overarching discussion, facilitating the exchange of ideas and insights among all participants. By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, this session aims to deepen our understanding of the role of democratic experimentation in driving sustainable transformations.

We welcome all who are interested in this critical dialogue and encourage contributions from various fields of research and practice.

 Speakers

• Julia Tschersich, Assistant Professor, Utrecht University (facilitator), Freetown Christiania, Denmark
• David Schlosberg, Director of the Sydney Environment Institute, disaster response/resilience networks in NSW, Australia
• Kristiaan Kok, Assistant Professor Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, living labs for transformations, Netherlands
• Jacob Smessaert, Utrecht University & farmer, multi-species assembly, Spain
• Madeline Egan, Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance, Canberra, deliberative constitution-making in Chile

About the 2024 ESG Forum

The 2024 ESG Forum brings together global scholars, researchers, and practitioners to focus on re-imagining governance for a world in crisis. Organised around the theme “Re-imagining Earth System Governance in an Era of Polycrisis,” the Forum addresses the interconnectedness of global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and political instability. Featuring a variety of panels, roundtables, plenaries, and innovative sessions, the Forum offers a platform for critical reflection on global sustainability governance.

By registering, you gain access to this plenary and over 50 additional sessions aimed at exploring governance models that can tackle the complexities of the 21st century.

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