Start date and time: 28 June 2019, 13:00

End date and time: 28 June 2019, 18:00

Location: Utrecht University, Educatorium: Theatron, Leuvenlaan 19, Utrecht

Registration: Please register here


What will be discussed?

At the symposium we invite academia and civil society to discuss degrowth:

  • What is degrowth?
  • What does degrowth mean in practice
  • Is degrowth a sustainable alternative to a society dependent on economic growth?
  • Is this solely a discussion for the Global North, or also for the Global South?

Expect an afternoon with international keynote speakers from academia and civil society, a panel debate and lively interactions. There also will be a 'sharing table' which can be used by degrowth related initiatives to promote themselves.


Why do we want to discuss degrowth as a pathway to sustainable future? Why now? Why in the Netherlands?

Check our short background story to get all the answers!


Preliminary programme


13:30 Degrowth as a project for societal transformation: its science and its relevance
Lecture by Dr Barbara Muraca, University of Oregon (with Q&A)  

14:30 Degrowth in the Global South: scientific and policy perspectives
Lecture by Dr Julien-François Gerber, International Institute of Social Studies (with Q&A)  

15:15 Interactive break: What does degrowth mean to you?

16:00 Degrowth in practice: examples from Germany
Lecture by Nina Treu, Konzeptwerk Neue Ökonomie (with Q&A)

16:45 Prospects for degrowth: a discussion
Panel discussion with Kris de Decker (Lowtech Magazine), Nina Treu (Konzeptwerk Neue Ökonomie), and others tbc.

17:45 Drinks & music


The symposium is organized by Utrecht University researchers together with colleagues from other universities and civil society. The event is supported by Pathways to Sustainability, and the Utrecht Sustainability Lectures (Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development).