Policy Lab participated in the milestone conference, “The Beyond Growth 2023: Pathways towards Sustainable Prosperity in the EU,” held at the European Parliament in Brussels in May 2023. This event could not have been timelier, as we find ourselves at a historic crossroads, grappling with pressing global challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality. The conference brought together a diverse group of influential stakeholders, including Members of the European Parliament, Commissioners, leading academics, and civil society organizations, all dedicated to critically examining the failures of the current economic system and presenting alternative solutions.
Conference: Reimagining Economic Growth
The conference served as a pivotal platform to highlight the need for transformative shifts in our understanding of economic growth. It drew attention to key issues such as economic capacity, technological advancements, and governance knowledge required to ensure a decent standard of living for all while staying within the bounds of a safe and sustainable planet. The conference spotlighted the emergence of post-growth and degrowth as significant themes within European political discourse: https://www.beyond-growth-2023.eu/
Notable Speakers and Discussions
The Beyond Growth 2023 Conference featured a stellar lineup of speakers who shared valuable insights on our journey beyond growth. At the Opening plenary – Limits to Growth: where do we stand and where do we go from here? we could listen to:
- Philippe Lamberts: Member of the European Parliament (Greens/EFA) and Co-President of the Greens EFA/Group, Beyond Growth Conference organizer.
- Roberta Metsola: President of the European Parliament.
- Ursula Von der Leyen: President of the European Commission.
- Sandrine Dixson-Declève: Co-president of the Club of Rome.
- Jason Hickel: Professor, Autonomous University of Barcelona.
- Adelaïde Charlier: Climate Justice and Human Rights activist.
Watch the Euronews Debates
The discussions on moving beyond growth were not limited to the conference room. Euronews hosted debates with top policymakers and experts to delve into the complexities of financial well-being, rising inequality, and the cost-of-living crisis, offering a fresh perspective beyond standardized GDP outlooks.
You can watch these insightful debates on the Euronews website and here:
Beyond Growth: Why the focus should be on reducing inequality instead of GDP https://www.euronews.com/2023/05/05/beyond-growth-why-the-focus-should-be-on-reducing-inequality-instead-of-gdp
Beyond Growth: Is it truly possible to move on from growth as our key economic indicator? https://www.euronews.com/2023/05/19/seeking-solutions-beyond-growth-in-2023
Interview with one of the renowned speakers at the conference Timothée Parrique, ecological economist, a researcher at the School of Economics and Management of Lund University (Sweden), in Slovenian media:
Policy Lab continues to be at the forefront of progressive conversations surrounding sustainable prosperity and a post-growth future for Europe. Join us in reshaping the economic landscape and fostering a more equitable and ecologically stable world.
