Successful Solidarity

We are living in turbulent times. Societal polarisation, social inequalities and global crises are putting social cohesion to the test. Technological upheavals and geopolitical conflicts are exacerbating the challenges facing the community – while our everyday lives are becoming increasingly individualised, notably a result of changing digital forms of communication. How much solidarity is possible under these conditions – and how can it succeed?

At its annual conference, the German Ethics Council will discuss what solidarity means and what conditions must be met for people to act in solidarity. In addition, the challenges associated with the success of solidarity in various areas of life will be analysed: How can solidarity work across national and cultural borders? What responsibility do we have towards future generations and other living beings? How can solidarity be promoted in mobility and urban planning? How can social segregation be prevented so that people not only live side by side, but together? What requirements arise from the demand for intergenerational solidarity – for example in the healthcare system or in pension policy? How can a fair balance of interests be found between the generations? And where are the limits of solidarity and justified expectations of solidarity?

One topic that unites many of these questions and is the subject of intense debate time and again is the migration society. Amongst others, this topic will be used to discuss the conditions for the success of solidarity – at a societal, communal and individual level.

The annual conference will bring together experts from academia, politics and practice to examine solidarity from different perspectives – normative, empirical and structural. Various artistic contributions and a practical tour by volunteers on the topic of “Solidarity in everyday life” will make solidarity a tangible experience during the conference.

Please switch to the German version of this website to see the programme.