Stories of Change

International conference on resilience and action for a just world.

19-21 April, Evangelische Akademie Loccum, Germany

From 19 to 21 April 2027, the international conference will open a space for learning and empowerment. Participants will engage in global dialogue, learn from each other, exchange perspectives, strengthen one another, and find inspiration for their own actions. In this way, despite global crises and uncertainties, they are encouraged to work towards a just world. A continuous bridge will be built between the individual, local and global levels.

Central questions include: What is happening around the world, and what challenges are people facing in different places? Which historical, political and social contexts shape global crises? What forms of resilience do people, communities and societies need to face social-ecological transformation? Which strategies for resilience and agency exist in different parts of the world, and what can we learn from each other? What role does education, particularly Global Learning and global dialogue, play in strengthening resilience and agency?

The conference will highlight that resilience can take different forms in different contexts. It will create a space to recognize differences and deal with contradictions. At the same time, it aims to find commonalities while acknowledging different realities of life. The conference offers an opportunity to learn from each other and experience global interconnectedness as a basis for joint action.

The conference will be designed to be highly participatory. The programme will be based on the participants' questions, experiences and perspectives. In addition to inputs, workshops and exchange formats, self-organized working groups and creative methods are also planned.

Storytelling will be a central methodological focus throughout the entire conference. Participants will contribute their own stories and work together to develop a narrative that connects different experiences. Artistic and creative formats such as music, film, theatre and open stage, as well as other forms of participation, may also be used.

Reflection spaces will be provided to allow participants to engage with their own experiences: What does what I have heard mean for me? What can I take away from this for my own context and work? What steps do I want to take?

The conference language is English. Translations into German and Spanish will be provided during plenary sessions. In the smaller groups, translation will be organized collectively.

More information will come up soon.