Founded in 1964, the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS, formerly the German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE)) looks back at six decades of intensive research, policy advice, training and joint learning, with the constant aim of finding innovative and application-oriented solutions to current development challenges. Against the background of advancing climate change and biodiversity loss, social polarisation and political autocratisation, demographic change and geopolitical tensions, IDOS seeks to co-shape a collaborative multipolar world for sustainable and socially just futures.

On the occasion of IDOS’ 60th anniversary, together with practitioners, researchers and our alumni, we would like to jointly reflect on the current state of international cooperation, its future trajectory and the role of development research in shaping this change process towards global sustainability. What is the potential of international cooperation to contribute to more sustainable futures and what changes are necessary to reach this potential? How can international cooperation and development research contribute to generating just transitions? How can it respond to changing geopolitical realities and incorporate postcolonial approaches through changing persistent mindsets and regulatory environments to address power imbalances?

We look forward to welcoming Ambassador Dr Len Ishmael, Prof. Dr Archna Negi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr André de Mello e Souza, Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada, Prof.Dr Imme Scholz, President of Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, Director General Jochen Steinhilber, BMZ, Prof. Dr Felix Asante, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Ghana, Colin Scicluna, Head of Cabinet at the European Commission, Dr Danai Tembo, Nelson Mandela University, Prof. Dr Jörg Faust, Director of DEval, Margarita Gómez García, Executive Director at Southern Voice, and many other inspiring speakers, who will share their reflections on 60 years of future-oriented research, policy advice and training on sustainable development. In three panel discussions, we will reflect on the following topics:

• Transformations to Sustainability: How Sustainable and Just are Just Transitions and JETPs?
• Envisioning Sustainable Futures beyond 2030
• Development Policy in Times of Autocracy

After the conference, we would like to invite you for an evening reception to continue the day’s discussions and deepen our joint networks.