Inauguration of the Sustainability Festival Västra Götaland

Sustainability Festival Västra Götaland is held annually to inspire and foster dialogue and new connections, all centred on sustainability. Self-organised, the festival serves as a platform for individuals and organisations to share their work, knowledge, and passion. It is coordinated by Studiefrämjandet.

As in previous years, the festival aligns with the theme of the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award, this time focusing on how to achieve a just and inclusive transition.

Kicking off on 14th October at the Cultural Centre in Bergsjön, the festival will continue throughout the week in various parts of the region. The opening ceremony will address key issues like democratic participation, inclusion, justice, co-creation, and how a transition can be realised to benefit society as a whole.

PROGRAMME

• NAVET I BERGSJÖN will deliver the welcome address and officially open the Sustainability Festival, sharing insights on the challenges and opportunities for transitioning in suburban areas. 
• YOUTH, ENVIRONMENT AND INDUSTRY  – Norway’s largest youth environmental organisation has partnered with the oil workers’ union to launch ten principles for a green industrial future. Hear from this year’s winner of the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Youth Award as they share their efforts and achievements. 
• MUNICIPALITIES IN TRANSITION – Learn from the Spanish-Italian cooperative KuneLab, which uses participatory methods to radically transform local communities both democratically and ecologically. KuneLab was a finalist in this year’s WIN WIN Award. 
• JUST TRANSITION for Workers – The Just Transition Centre will discuss their work on engaging in dialogue with industrial unions to ensure fair conditions and democratic participation in industries undergoing transition. The Just Transition Centre is this year’s recipient of the WIN WIN Gothenburg Sustainability Award. 
• PANEL DISCUSSION – How can we ensure a transition that includes everyone? What is needed for different groups to participate in and help shape the transition and the society we want? Participants include Navet i Bergsjön, Just Transition Centre, Natur og Ungdom, and KuneLab.

The event is free and will primarily be conducted in English.