How can we collectively propel the implementation of the German Sustainable Development Strategy by 2030? What strategies can be employed to organize production and consumption in an energy and resource-efficient manner, while ensuring fairness? Achieving low-emission mobility, providing high-quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, and measurably reducing land consumption in both Germany and other parts of the world are key challenges that need addressing.

The inaugural transnational annual conference of the Regional Network for Sustainability Strategies West (RENN.west) on September 7, 2017, at the Westfalenhalle Dortmund, will serve as a platform for representatives from civil society, local authorities, science, and business to delve into these pressing issues. Esteemed figures such as Dr. Imme Scholz (Deputy Director of the German Development Institute and member of the German Council for Sustainable Development), Stefan Dierks (Head of Product and Strategy, Corporate Responsibility, Tchibo GmbH), Viktor Haase (Head of Department at the Ministry of the Environment, Agriculture, Nature Conservation and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia), Ulrike Schell (Member of the Management Board of the NRW Consumer Advice Centre), Valentin Thurn (documentary filmmaker, journalist, and author), and numerous experts from all four federal states of RENN.west are expected to contribute valuable insights.

The conference coincides with the opening of the FAIR FRIENDS trade fair, dedicated to sustainable lifestyles, fair trade, and social responsibility in Dortmund.

My role involves moderating the RENN.west Arena 2017 annual conference, and I eagerly anticipate engaging with a diverse community of sustainability activists and drawing inspiration from the offerings at the FAIR FRIENDS trade fair.