With its Festival of Action, the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) is establishing a new, action-oriented sustainability format. From 12 to 14 March 2026, the forest campus will become an open space for exchange, experimentation and joint creation. Under the motto "Working together – where encounters unfold their effect", the HNEE invites all interested parties from the city and region to experience social and ecological change in concrete terms and to actively help shape it. Free registration is now open at hnee.de/festival-der-taten.

The festival deliberately sees itself as a participatory festival. The focus is on practical formats, joint learning and concrete opportunities for action. Workshops, talks, excursions and activities not only make sustainability visible, but also allow it to be experienced first-hand.

"The Festival of Action invites you to discover sustainability from different perspectives – openly, practically and in exchange with each other," says Isabel Mühlmann, festival coordinator and alumna of HNEE. "We want to show that sustainable change is not abstract, but begins where people meet, learn from each other and take responsibility together. It's about simply trying things out, strengthening your own skills and developing the courage to get involved."

The idea for the festival came about after winning the national "Education for Sustainable Development" award in 2023. The prize money was specifically invested in a new event format that focuses on practice, capacity for action and community. Students from the Master's programme "Sustainable Regional Development" played a key role in developing the concept. With the Festival of Action, HNEE is demonstrating its commitment to actively shaping sustainability transfer and promoting socio-ecological transformation together with the region.

Around 50 co-creators from Eberswalde and beyond will present their projects and invite visitors to get involved. All activities are free of charge.

Highlights include:

• The opening keynote by Katharina van Bronswijk and Carla Reemtsma on constructive hope and climate activism
• Keynote speech by Arnim Wiek: What can consumers and entrepreneurs do to save the food craft industry?
• FLINTA Science Slam
• "Mind meets Climate" – individual advice on resilience and climate anxiety
• A course on sustainable regional nutrition with practical workshops
• Excursions into the countryside around Eberswalde
• The "Market of Opportunities" with initiatives from the region

The Festival of Action combines knowledge with action, encounters with impact – and makes it clear that sustainable development succeeds when people work together.

Location: HNEE Forest Campus, Alfred-Möller-Straße (Buildings 15 and 17) and excursions in the surrounding area
Date: 12–14 March 2026
Participation: free of charge

Further information and registration at: hnee.de/festival-der-taten