The fifth Education for Sustainable Development Conference Rhineland-Palatinate (ESD Conference) took place in Kirchheimbolanden on April 29. This year's focus was on the global Sustainable Development Goals 11 "Sustainable Cities and Communities" and 16 "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions". This put the focus on issues of inclusive and sustainable urban development as well as reducing violence and strengthening democratic institutions.

The Peace Academy Rhineland-Palatinate was represented with a workshop and a stand at the "Market of Opportunities". Annalena Groppe, research associate at the Peace Academy, organized the workshop "Dealing with conflicts - showing civil courage - staying in conversation". Around 20 participants explored the question of how polarizing topics can be discussed without trivializing violent relationships or prematurely smoothing over conflicts. Transformative options for action were discussed based on their own experiences.

The Peace Academy stand was also well attended. Among other things, the "Kernfrage" simulation game on German nuclear weapons policy was presented there. It became particularly clear at the conference how closely sustainability is now being considered in conjunction with issues of global justice, social participation and democratic transformation - and how connectable peace education perspectives are in this field.

The fifth Education for Sustainable Development Conference Rhineland-Palatinate (ESD Conference) took place in Kirchheimbolanden on April 29. This year's focus was on the global Sustainable Development Goals 11 "Sustainable Cities and Communities" and 16 "Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions". This put the focus on issues of inclusive and sustainable urban development as well as reducing violence and strengthening democratic institutions.

The Peace Academy Rhineland-Palatinate was represented with a workshop and a stand at the "Market of Opportunities". Annalena Groppe, research associate at the Peace Academy, organized the workshop "Dealing with conflicts - showing civil courage - staying in conversation". Around 20 participants explored the question of how polarizing topics can be discussed without trivializing violent relationships or prematurely smoothing over conflicts. Transformative options for action were discussed based on their own experiences.

The Peace Academy stand was also well attended. Among other things, the "Kernfrage" simulation game on German nuclear weapons policy was presented there. It became particularly clear at the conference how closely sustainability is now being considered in conjunction with issues of global justice, social participation and democratic transformation - and how connectable peace education perspectives are in this field.