Democracy as the Backbone of Sustainability: Insights from Our CSCP Team Day 2025 In times of increasing polarisation, shifting power dynamics, and accelerating digital change, the links between democracy and sustainability are being tested more than ever. At the CSCP, we believe that tackling these complex challenges begins with dialogue—connecting across perspectives, challenging our own assumptions, and building bridges where gaps exist. CSCP Team Day: An Open Space for Discussion At this year’s CSCP Team Day in Wuppertal, more than 50 team members joined a dynamic fishbowl discussion on emerging social and political trends shaping our work. Guest speakers, Mr. Helge Lindh, Member of the German Parliament (SPD), and Ms. Selly Wane, entrepreneur and activist based in Wuppertal, Germany enriched the conversation on how strengthening democracy within our collective work can serve as a foundation for a good life for all. Moderated by Dr. Flandra Syla-Beqiri, CSCP Communication Manager, the 90-minute exchange reflected the CSCP’s international and interdisciplinary character. We explored how evolving social, political, and economic trends—from political polarisation and regulatory flux to migration, digitalisation, and the future of work—are reshaping sustainability efforts, and how the CSCP and its partners can respond while keeping democratic values at the centre. Insights from the panel fed directly into a follow-up World Café session, “Democracy as the Backbone for Sustainability,” where teams translated reflections into actionable ideas for future initiatives. Participants noted a period of regulatory flux: while sustainability reporting and due-diligence rules are tightening in scope and complexity in some jurisdictions, we also see selective rollbacks and delays that create uncertainty for long-term planning. This tension—more requirements in some areas, weakening in others—makes accountability and durable, democratic policymaking even more important to keep progress on track. From Dialogue to Shared Action The Team Day conversation reaffirmed a practical agenda we will carry forward with our partners across projects and initiatives. We aim to broaden participation and enhance inclusion by using citizens’ dialogues, co-creation formats, and lived-experience expertise to shape fair policies. We are committed to strengthening trust by building coalitions that align public goals with business realities and community needs and priorities. We will also focus on supporting policymakers with evidence, tools, and engagements that enable inclusive, long-term decision-making. As our world navigates complex transitions, we return to a simple conviction: sustainable and positive change begins with listening, connecting, and co-creating across boundaries—turning dialogue into shared action. Interested in collaborating on democratic governance, social innovation, skills and capacity building, or integrated practices and partnerships? We look forward to exploring new initiatives together! Please, reach out to Dr. Flandra Syla-Beqiri and let’s get started now!