Common good in Leipzig
Strategic goals for sustainable development
You probably know Leipzig as the city of the Peaceful Revolution. The GDR citizens’ commitment to democracy, human rights and freedom made history in 1989. Today, this deep-rooted tradition of civic engagement still shapes the city and is reflected in its plans for the future. The Leipzig Strategy 2035 puts it simply: “Leipzig will grow sustainably and serve the common good.” The interests of the city community take precedence over the interests of individuals or specific groups. But what exactly does this entail? For example, enhancing quality of life through sustainable mobility, environmental preservation, equal opportunities, inclusive citizenship, and strengthened local democracy. In line with these strategic goals, there is a great deal of scientific interest and exciting approaches for the common good in Leipzig. All this makes Leipzig an interesting destination for conferences on social issues, democracy in action and getting involved.
Turning science into action
Public Value Atlas and Forum Gemeinwohl
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management has made a name for itself beyond the borders of Leipzig with its research on the public good. One highly regarded project is the Public Value Atlas. This study is conducted by researchers from HHL’s Chair of Business Psychology and Leadership, headed by Professor Timo Meynhardt, and the Center for Leadership and Values in Society at the University of St. Gallen. Through surveys, they examine the contribution organisations make to the common good and the value they create for society. Following studies for Switzerland and Germany, the Public Value Atlas Leipzig was published in 2020 – the first such study at city level. One interesting finding is that the ranking is led by public organisations, clubs and associations. Leipziger Messe is one of the top ten organisations.
In 2019, HHL academics founded Forum Gemeinwohl (Forum for the Common Good), to mutually strengthen research and common good-oriented practice. The association sees itself as a “think and do tank” facilitating interaction between science and practice, companies, consultants and social players. Developed in 2022, the Leipzig Round Table for the Common Good is a format for regular dialogue. As a conference planner with an interest in the topic of the common good, you will find interesting partners to talk to in Leipzig.
Public Value Award
A big stage for new ideas
Forum Gemeinwohl also organises the Public Value Award for Start-ups. It has been awarded annually in Leipzig since 2016. The prize is aimed at non-profit start-ups whose products and services benefit society and make a measurable contribution to the common good. For start-ups, even applying is worthwhile: they will receive a sound assessment of their growth potential and helpful suggestions for their further development. Coaching is also provided for those who qualify for the final of the award. The winners will eventually become part of the Public Value Network. They receive a workspace in Leipzig as well as professional mentoring and advice. This means that the award can be an important catalyst for start-ups orientated towards the common good on their way to market maturity. The Public Value Award 2024 alone received around 150 applications. The finalists presented their visions for a better future to an audience at the KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo Leipzig. First place was awarded to PRAMOMOLECULAR. The Berlin-based start-up is developing innovative cancer therapies that inhibit the growth of tumour cells by silencing genes. Anyone who wins over the jury could soon be presenting their innovative ideas to your conference delegates, couldn’t they?
Start-up support for social entrepreneurship
Social Impact Lab Leipzig and Impact Hub Leipzig
Social start-ups, i.e. founders with socially innovative ideas, are also the focus of the Social Impact Lab Leipzig. Professional support for social entrepreneurship is available in the form of grants. Start-up teams receive coaching, expert advice, workshops and networking opportunities through the Social & Founders funding programme. The Impact Hub Leipzig sees itself as a creative impact centre and supports companies that are committed to making a positive social and environmental impact. It is one of more than 100 Impact Hubs worldwide. Their common goal: integrative and sustainable innovations. These initiatives and networks are well worth a look for you as a conference organiser: you will get to know exciting start-ups and their entrepreneurial ideas for the common good. At the same time, they will put you in touch with experienced experts who can enrich your conference programme and the networking sessions at your event.
Events calendar highlights
German Child and Youth Welfare Congress and International German Gymnastics Festival
The city’s impressive history and intense focus on the common good make Leipzig a sought-after venue for conferences on the social issues of the future. A glance at the congress calendar shows this. Under the motto “Because it’s about the bigger picture: Realising democracy through participation!”, the German Child and Youth Welfare Congress will take place in Leipzig from 13 to 15 May. Around 30,000 participants are expected at the Congress Center Leipzig and Leipzig’s exhibition grounds. Offering a wide range of creative activities, the youth welfare summit is a platform for communication, exchanging ideas and forging the future. The event is designed to help young people grow up well and promote the further development of child and youth welfare services. At the same time, the organisers are setting a good example by making the DJHT sustainable.
Given the relevance of clubs and associations for the common good, the International German Gymnastics Festival 2025 in Leipzig is also one of the highlights of the event calendar. For sports clubs, the world’s largest competitive and amateur sporting event is a truly special experience. The gymnastics festival will take place at 30 venues in Leipzig and will appeal to a wide audience with hands-on activities, demonstrations, culture and entertainment. Besides Leipzig’s exhibition grounds and established sports venues such as the Red Bull Arena and the Quarterback Immobilien Arena, Clara Zetkin Park, Augustusplatz and the market square will also be used as venues. The gymnastics festival will thus be a memorable experience for participants and spectators as well as for the city community.
Supporting programmes to marvel at and get involved in
Tracing the common good principle
Leipzig has much to offer for your conferences. Depending on your interests, there are many options for supporting programmes that focus on the common good.
- Visitors can learn more about the history of the Peaceful Revolution at places like St Nicholas’ Church, the Forum of Contemporary History and the “Runde Ecke” museum.
- If you are interested in companies that operate sustainably and initiatives that focus on the common good, you can go and explore using the Wandelkarte.
- Visit companies listed in the Public Value Atlas Leipzig. They include Zoo Leipzig, the Gewandhaus and the public broadcaster Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR). Studio tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the media company. Good to know: as an organiser, you will also find attractive meeting and conference facilities at these venues.
- How about attending a match of the handball club SC DHfK Leipzig or the football club RB Leipzig? The people of Leipzig also recognise the important contribution these two clubs make to the common good of the city. Their home venues, the Quarterback Immobilien Arena and the Red Bull Arena, offer organisers not only sporting highlights, but also space for business events.
- With the GreenKayak project, your delegates can spend two hours paddling around Leipzig’s waterways for free, collecting rubbish along the way.
Conclusion
Many of the aspects that make Leipzig a top destination for green events relate to sustainability and the common good. Want to find out more about how to make your conference in Leipzig sustainable? Or are you looking for specific contacts and local experts? The Leipzig Convention Team will be happy to open doors for you and put you in touch with the right people.
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