How can imagination help societies navigate sustainability challenges and inspire action for change? This question brought SDSN Northern Europe members together for an online meeting exploring the role of hope, storytelling, art and cultural imaginaries in shaping sustainable futures.
The meeting opened with a reflection on Active Hope, not as passive optimism but as a practice of engaging with reality while actively contributing to the future we want to see. Participants discussed how hope can strengthen resilience, creativity and collective action in times of uncertainty and multiple sustainability crises.
The first presentation featured the research project IMAGINE: Contested Futures of Sustainability, presented by Nina Heidenström from Oslo Metropolitan University. The project explores how different cultural imaginaries shape perceptions of sustainable futures. Through public engagement, design projects, exhibitions and workshops, IMAGINE has investigated how people envision desirable and undesirable futures related to everyday practices such as eating, dressing and mobility. The project highlights the importance of creating democratic spaces where diverse perspectives on sustainability can be discussed openly.
Ruben Ritzén then introduced Climaginaries, an initiative that uses arts-based and participatory methods to explore possible climate futures. Through speculative museums, storytelling projects, soundwalks and exhibitions, Climaginaries invites people to step into imagined futures and reflect on how societies might evolve on a warming planet. The presentation emphasised the power of cultural storytelling to make complex sustainability challenges more tangible, accessible and engaging.
The final presentation was given by Mats Målqvist from Uppsala University, who introduced the newly launched Uppsala Ministry for the Future. Inspired by literature and the arts, the initiative seeks to create new spaces for dialogue on sustainability challenges, goal conflicts and societal transformation. By bringing together researchers, practitioners and artists, the initiative aims to stimulate new perspectives and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration around sustainability issues.
A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the need for narratives that inspire engagement and action. Participants reflected on how sustainability debates are often dominated by dystopian stories that risk creating paralysis rather than motivation. Imagination, creativity and hope were highlighted as important complements to scientific knowledge and systems thinking in efforts to accelerate sustainable development.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on how hope can be translated into practice. Participants emphasised that imagination alone is not enough, it must be connected to action, collaboration and long-term societal change. As one participant noted, we need to move beyond “No Action, Talk Only” and create conditions for people to actively contribute to shaping sustainable futures.
The SDSN Northern Europe secretariat also shared updates on recent publications and opportunities within the network, including the launch of the European Sustainable Development Report and a global SDSN call for Just Transition initiatives.
