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Future visions for democracy and sustainability: A look at 2025!
On December 6, 2024, the Research Day of Department 06 took place at the University of Münster. Over 60 researchers held interdisciplinary discussions on topics such as democracy, sustainability and diversity.
Future visions for democracy and sustainability: A look at 2025!
The research day of Department 06 - Educational Science and Social Sciences took place on December 6, 2024 at the University of Münster. Around 60 researchers from various status groups from all institutes took part in this event and exchanged intensive information on central topics such as democracy, communication, sustainability, transformation, diversity and plurality. Interdisciplinary collaboration within the department was particularly emphasized, which is in clear contrast to current global challenges.
The research approaches presented during the day are in the context of ongoing and planned projects that benefit from different perspectives. An important focus was on scientifically based democracy promotion, dealing with diversity and strengthening trust in science. The participants also discussed approaches to a sustainable common good orientation and the networking of different methodological approaches, from quantitative to qualitative and computer-aided methods.
Democracy and sustainability
Discussions about democracy and international cooperation are essential, particularly with regard to questions about intervention in political processes. According to a report by stiftungen.org, German foundations are considering how they can become more involved in international democracy promotion. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by 193 nations in September 2015, includes 17 goals and 169 targets that require fundamental transformation of all countries - without distinguishing between developed and less developed nations.
This agenda aims to achieve sustainable development for all and leave no one behind. Democratic principles play a crucial role in this. In particular, Goal 16 of the Agenda promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice and the creation of effective, accountable institutions. Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General, emphasized the importance of democracy and the relevance of Goal 16 for sustainable development.
The role of Germany in international democracy work
The implementation of the 2030 Agenda places clear demands on international cooperation. In German development cooperation, democracy is viewed as essential for sustainable development. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is actively involved in political reform processes, promotes good governance and strengthens human rights. These topics were also discussed as part of the research day at the University of Münster's department, where the effort to strengthen democratic values was highlighted as essential for future-oriented social development.
A clearly visible task for German foundations and NGOs will be to find answers to the questions about improving partnerships and synergies in promoting democracy. Important aspects of this topic were recently discussed as part of the German Foundation Day, which once again underlines the need for an interdisciplinary approach.
In conclusion, it can be said that the positive, appreciative working atmospheres that are promoted in departments like Münster offer a solid basis for future research and projects. The outlook for 2025 will be characterized by commitment, creativity and a strong focus on the future.