Supporting sustainability initiatives and transitions

ISF is continually looking to discover and highlight those many individuals, organizations and networks developing methods and frameworks, innovations and strategies enabling transition to sustainability. It is not only critical but inspiring to see communities of practice forming and sharing knowledge, working together to improve failing economic systems and policies while building resilient, caring communities around the globe. Both democracy and sustainability require informed citizen participation and engagement as well as creative visions of the kind of future we want and need.

ISF's Sustainable Production and Consumption (SPAC) Program works closely with organizations and networks around the world engaged in the challenge of raising greater awareness and knowledge of the critical role production/consumption systems, practices and policies play in the world's major social and environmental crises. 

Learn More

Building sustainable communities is not child's play. Communities represent the true test of sustainability. Whether small rural villages or gigantic urban mega-cities, these places serve as the conjunction of production/consumption systems, trade, population, financial and natural resource flows. They provide for the distribution of food, energy, water and housing. They continue to generate and have to deal with mounting waste and pollution. These are big challenges for community leaders.

Learn More

Access to information, education and public fora for expressing views and concerns on public policy and priorities is essential to open and healthy democracies and societies. ISF has been especially engaged in supporting and encouraging public participation and engagement in sustainable development governance and policy-making. Without an informed and engaged public, linked through community organizations, civil society groups and networks, societies can easily descend into oppressive authoritarian states, leading to civil and international conflict and violence. Efforts to strengthen meaningful participation, open knowledge and civil discourse is essential, in contrast to the damage from token stakeholder showcases, astroturfing, corporate front groups and alternative facts.

Learn More

Today more than ever we need imaginaries of how humanity survives and evolves in overcoming the kinds of threats and inequaities, political quagmires and hopelessness which audiences often go to the cinema and novels to escape. ISF's Envisioning Sustainable Futures program is a fact-finding journey exploring efforts to create and share such positive visions and stories.

 

Learn More

Stay-Up-To-Date

If you would like to stay informed on what we are doing, special events and occasional newsletter, add your name to our list of friends and colleagues (strictly confidential).

History Timeline