Great ideas rarely emerge in isolation. Truly sustainable solutions take shape when people come together, share experiences, learn from one another – and explore new paths collaboratively. This process becomes especially powerful when it transcends disciplinary and cultural boundaries and is supported by thoughtful, professional facilitation. Because: differing perspectives aren’t a barrier – they are the key to lasting impact.

Co-Creation Across Continents: The Deep Dive into Urban Heat Action Planning

A compelling example is the Connective Cities Deep Dive process on urban heat action planning. Over several months, municipal practitioners and experts from cities such as Aswan, Nairobi, Mombasa, Lviv, Heidelberg and Lüdenscheid worked together on one central question: How can cities mitigate urban heat and protect vulnerable populations?

What made this process unique was its departure from exporting ready-made solutions. Instead, it created a shared learning space, with the focus not on identifying “best practices,” but on taking a candid look at the “challenges behind the challenges.”

One such moment came when the question “How do we involve our citizens?” evolved into a deeper conversation about the value of local knowledge and cultural practices. The surprising insight: despite vastly different local conditions, many core issues were remarkably similar. A shared realization quickly emerged: “We never imagined our core challenges were so alike.”

A rotating peer-feedback approach helped refine the pilot ideas with a strong focus on real-world applicability. The process was facilitated by an experienced moderation duo, including the wonderful Frank Wältring from Mesopartner. This team ensured a balance between structure and flexibility, adapting to the needs of the group while maintaining a clear direction.

Flying Less, Moving More: Workshops for the FlyingLess Project

Higher education faces significant challenges – but also immense potential for transformation. An example is the FlyingLess project, which aims to reduce air travel emissions in academia.

Researchers and academic staff are often frequent flyers, while the scientific community simultaneously calls for strict climate action. The question then becomes: How can this change be both credible and effective?

The project developed a comprehensive toolbox of practical instruments to support institutions on their journey. In addition, four partner organizations hosted moderated workshops that brought together stakeholders across departments and hierarchy levels. Instead of beginning with existing conflicts, the workshops focused on a powerful guiding question: “What would an ideal future look like, one that integrates all perspectives?”

This shared vision served as a unifying reference point. Using backcasting, participants identified concrete next steps. The result: differences weren’t erased – they were harnessed constructively in pursuit of a common goal.

Co-Creation Needs Structure – and Space for Connection

Both examples illustrate a central truth: the ability to collaborate doesn’t just happen. It requires spaces where diversity is not only welcomed, but actively seen as a strength. Facilitation plays a crucial role – not as a conductor with a baton, but as a choreographer of a dynamic process. One who provides structure, offers inspiration – and creates space for real connection.

If we want to develop meaningful solutions together, that’s exactly what we need: spaces for co-creative action – grounded in clarity, openness, and an intuitive sense of what happens between the lines.