12 Jun 2026
Through an information booth and a student excursion, el mundo took part in the Day of Hope, gaining valuable insights into sustainability, climate action, and civic engagement.
© el mundo
On June 11, 2026, this year’s Day of Hope took place in Munich’s Werksviertel district. Focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action, the event offered numerous opportunities for dialogue, information sharing, and hands-on participation. el mundo was represented in several ways throughout the day.
At the Market of Hope, Katrin Geneuss, Lea Antony, Luisa Horstmann, and Marianne Pfaffinger provided information about el mundo’s educational programs and activities. Numerous valuable conversations were held with visitors interested in sustainability and teacher education. Many participants learned more about the state-examination certificate program “Education for Sustainable Development” as well as the new Minor in Sustainability. The strong interest in these academic opportunities highlighted the growing importance of sustainability-related topics in higher education. We look forward to welcoming some of these interested visitors in the upcoming winter semester.
At the same time, el mundo students visited the Day of Hope as part of Module 5 during an excursion led by Thomas Häring. The event proved to be a highly enriching learning experience, offering a wide range of perspectives on how sustainable development is already being put into practice today.
One of the most impressive aspects for the excursion group was the large number of school students presenting their own projects. These included school partnerships with Tanzania, the development of visions for metropolitan areas in the year 2050, and projects on active listening, in which older students intentionally created space to listen to the perspectives of younger students. The diversity and quality of these initiatives demonstrated the significant potential of young people to help shape a sustainable future.
The Day of Hope also provided many additional opportunities for dialogue and networking. Students engaged in enriching conversations with representatives from the Munich Waste Management Company (AWM), the Department of Education and Sports (RBS), the Department of Climate and Environmental Protection (RKU), and the Munich Climate Network. Particularly noteworthy was a political participation format organized by the Munich Climate Network, where students took part in a speed-dating session with members of the Munich City Council to discuss topics related to climate action and global justice.
Although the weather was highly changeable throughout the day—with warm sunshine alternating with brief but intense thunderstorms, heavy rain showers, and even hail—this did little to dampen the positive atmosphere. The many interactive activities, conversations, and encounters made the Day of Hope an inspiring event that fostered optimism for a more sustainable present and future.
The excursion vividly demonstrated the many different ways sustainability can be practiced, communicated, and experienced. For the students, the Day of Hope provided not only valuable academic insights but also the opportunity to meet dedicated individuals and gain new perspectives on how societal transformation can be shaped and supported.
