🌍 We’re live from the Pathways to Sustainability Conference in Utrecht! This morning, an inspiring panel tackled a big question: how can we create a sustainable and just home for everyone? Through diverse perspectives, the speakers shared powerful ideas for building connections, fostering collaboration, and shaping a better future for all.
Here’s what we learned:
💡 Prof. Niki Frantzeskaki, Human Geography & Spatial Planning
To create a true sense of "home" we need spaces that foster trust, hope, and belonging. Urban parks and community spaces can be powerful tools for connection, but they must be designed to unite rather than divide. Shared visions and less divisive narratives are critical to building strong communities and connecting people to the future they want to see. Niki believes Pathways to Sustainability (Utrecht University) community inspires hope by cultivating change agents ready to transform these ideas into reality.
💡 Prof. Hens Runhaar, Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University
Hens believes that "home" isn’t just about personal comfort; it’s about being good neighbors—including within our food systems. Agricultural areas make up 50% of the Netherlands, but there’s a growing urban-rural divide, with many people disconnected from the landscapes and farmers that sustain them. To build a sustainable future, we must close this divide—by reconnecting to our agricultural landscapes and playing active roles as voters, consumers, and neighbours.
💡 Jeroen Heemsbergen, Nationaal Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug
Jeroen explained how collaboration is at the heart of sustainability. He can see this through his work with Nationaal Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug, a strategic partner of Utrecht University, where landowners include 70 private estates, municipalities, and government bodies. This means balancing conflicting priorities—short-term political goals versus generational visions. Jeroen urges us to start rebuilding our knowledge systems and that grassroots action, through pilots and living labs, for example, offers hope. He stressed that we can’t wait for the government—change begins with each of us leading by example.
Across all discussions, one message is clear: building a sustainable home requires all of us. From our food systems to our green spaces, it starts with being good neighbours, bridging divides, and nurturing communities of hope and action.
Thanks for being an amazing partner and LEADER in the green space! It was a fantastic program! Much appreciation for the behind the scenes work to bring it to life.