oikos anniversary conference 2007

To mark our 20^th anniversary, oikos organised a conference to relaunch the debate over sustainable growth and  explore new ways forward. Titled "Limits to Growth - Growing beyond Limits?" the conference evaluated alternatives to current growth-based models and policies.

On 18th and 19th of October 150 student delegates and professionals from around the world gathered in the Swiss town of St Gallen, where oikos was founded in 1987.

The aim of the oikos Conference was to promote opportunities for students to integrate the issues of sustainability into teaching and research back at their home universities. Conference participants examined the concept of “smart growth“ – economic growth in harmony  with the natural and the social environment.

Keynote speakers included Claude Martin from the WWF and Mathis Wackernagel from the Global Footprint Initiative.  Participants had the opportunity to develop their ideas in workshops and an “Open Space” session.  The conference concluded with concrete plans for future action. Check out the conference presentations and project reports!