Buen Vivir Conference Munich

Bolivia and Ecuador have enshrined the concept of “Buen Vivir” in their constitutions for the first time. The “Buen Vivir” concept defines the basis for a harmonious coexistence and acknowledges rights not only of individuals but also of nature.

What makes a life good and/or successful? We ask this key question rarely and often only individually in the rush of daily life, according to the motto "What is good for you, you have to decide for yourself!" But is this really the truth? As often, it is worth looking at the bigger picture!

On 26 and 27 June 2017 we would like to take the time to discuss the Latin American concept of Buen Vivir -  a concept of a good way of living together.

Almost 10 years ago, the governments of Ecuador and Bolivia enshrined Buen Vivir as a guiding principle in their constitutions. Model for that constitutional concept has been and still is the Buen Vivir philosophy of indigenous peoples of South America. The central point of this indigenous philosophy is that a good way of living together can only succeed if the community is characterized by mutual respect and by a social, mutually supportive cooperation. The central element of the indigenous tradition is that Mother Earth as nature and livelihood has to be respected as well as fellow human beings - and therefore must not be excessively exploited and instrumentalized.

Among others, Alberto Acosta, Felix Santi, Esperanza Martínez, Ruth Buendía, Prof. Dr. Stephan Lessenich and Prof. Dr. Ulrich Brand will discuss with the participants whether, and if so, what similarities can be discovered in the Latin American concept of good life and the local sustainability discourse and why the implementation of a good life and a good living together into reality is often so difficult. Attend keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, film screenings and an exciting "Buen Vivir evening"!

Admission is free, but registration is required as the number of participants is limited.

Find more information and the option to register here.