On June 1st, the ceremonial opening of the Global Society Institute took place in Hamburg, Germany. The event was graced by distinguished leaders from science, education, the economy, and culture.
Opening the meeting, Dr. Christoph Geisler, Director of the Organization for Science, Education, and Global Society, warmly welcomed the guests and provided an introduction to the Global Society.
"The institute brings together people and institutions who want to actively shape the future of civil society, initiate projects in the spirit of the United Nations' Global Goals, and conduct research and education on current global society issues. Projects are initiated in the fields of research, education, the economy, and culture. They contribute to one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and make a recognizable contribution to shaping a sustainable and progressive global society," explained Dr. Geisler.
The global landscape of social and humanitarian challenges is ever-evolving, demanding innovative approaches and collaborative solutions. In an inspiring step forward, the Global Society Institute has emerged as an institution dedicated to addressing pressing global issues and fostering positive change on a worldwide scale.
"We have the first generation having a chance to communicate with everyone and gain knowledge about people not by speaking to them but by using the Internet and AI. With all the tools we need and bringing the people and tools together, that's the reason for the institute," said Rüdiger Kruse, Chairman of the foundation Unternehmen Wald.
Founded on the principles of social impact, sustainability, and inclusivity, the Global Society Institute aims to be at the forefront of transformative initiatives. By bringing together a diverse network of experts, thought leaders, and change-makers, it seeks to generate impactful solutions that tackle complex problems across multiple domains.
Marc Buckley, United Nations Advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF), presented the interconnection between all goals and their influence on the structure of sustainable economies.
Following an uplifting musical performance from the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, the stakeholders signed the foundation charter and unveiled a symbolic sculpture to the audience - a globe held by human hands.
"I think the sculpture is the best way to show that the world is in our hands," said Barbara Makowka, Managing Director of the Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald Lv. Hamburg and the International Sustainability Academy.
The launch of the Global Society Institute is a testimony to the power of joint action. With a diverse range of programs, projects, and research initiatives, it is ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities around the globe.
At the heart of the institute's activities lies a commitment to empowering communities and promoting sustainable development. By leveraging its global network, it fosters partnerships with local organizations, governments, and international institutions to implement targeted initiatives in areas such as education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and socioeconomic empowerment. .
"We have a wide range of interdisciplinarity and interorganizationality that results in the need to maintain an efficient common language and progressive forms and tools of collaboration," said Dr. Geisler.
The successful launch of the institute serves as a milestone not just for the involved individuals and organisations but for everyone who shares the vision of a sustainable and progressive global society. Now the journey has begun, and the work starts.
*The Global Society Institute is located in the Wälderhaus in Hamburg, Germany and in the Floating House in Tarifa, Spain.
More information: www.globalsocietyinstitute.org