Attracted by this title, around 50-60 people from different corners of Switzerland gathered at the Holligerhof in Bern on February 3, 2024. One of the main aims of the event was to bring together people from French- and German-speaking Switzerland. A great deal of effort was put into this and the entire event was held in two languages. This was very impressive for me and the performance of the translators was fascinating.
Ralph Nacke gave the introductory presentation entitled “Economy for the common good” in German – and was translated into French by Dominique Gärtner and Nomie Roten, who moderated the event together with Peter Wyler (organizing committee).
Under the title “l’économie sociale et solidaire”, Alexandre Burnand spoke in French and was translated into German.
The third speaker, Armin Sieber, translated himself.
Throughout the event, a longing for a different way of living together than what we know as “normal” today was palpable. The first two speakers showed how and where fairer, more social and more ecological forms of economy are possible and are already being practiced. This gives hope and raises questions. With the help of modern technology, the latter could be made visible to everyone via a digital platform on the screen from the comfort of their own phone after an exchange in small groups. Thanks to the flexible and competent bilingual moderation, these were also immediately translated into the other language.
In addition to and between the presentations, there was a rich buffet for refreshments and personal contacts were made and cultivated.
All in all, for me it was an event where different levels and senses were addressed and different connections were created – entirely in the spirit of the IP. Cognitive, emotional, social, physical, artistic, spiritual – there was a bit of everything.
Thank you to everyone who made this possible and contributed in any way.
May there be more bridge-building, encouraging, connecting and nourishing experiences.
Feedback from Alice (participant)
Invited to attend the conference, I arrived in Bern with mixed feelings. Illusion or a practicable new vision and basis for necessary change? In view of current geopolitics, I tended to vote for illusion. Then I experienced the concentrated power of IP thinking and feeling. What an extraordinary atmosphere was created where feelings and intellect came together with spirituality and a focus on the level of action! The potential of all these personalities together, where everyone is heard and valued.
I am slowly beginning to suspect that this could be the way forward.
Many thanks for this completely successful joint effort by strong personalities.
