Maastricht University Speech

Strategies for Change - New Pathways from Knowing to Doing

Nora Wilhelm describes the complex social and environmental challenges faced by humanity and will explore both established and emerging strategies to address them. Zooming in on the ‘developed’ countries of Europe, she questions the dominant linear approach to development and to solving complex problems. By applying a systemic lens, she suggests that to meet the challenges of our time, we need new forms of cooperation and a holistic way of thinking. We need to move away from fighting symptoms and chasing after technical solutions, and turn towards questioning our personal attitudes and assumptions, and our ability to work together to create a more sustainable and equitable future. She will share cutting-edge theory, practice and personal experience.

Following her lecture, she was joined by researchers from MSI in a discussion with her and the audience, led by Teun Dekker, professor of liberal arts and sciences education at University College Maastricht.”

Read more about this event here.

All photo and video credits go to the University of Maastricht.

Watch the full speech:

Nora Wilhelm

Nora Wilhelm is a social innovator, entrepreneur and researcher dedicated to a world where people and planet can thrive. A changemaker since her teens, she has a background in youth engagement and active citizenship. She presided the European Youth Parliament Switzerland from 2014-2016 and organised an International Session of the EYP in Laax (GR), under the Patronage of then Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter. In 2017, she co-founded collaboratio helvetica, an initiative that catalyses systemic change towards the Agenda 2030 in Switzerland by cultivating a cross-sectoral innovation ecosystem, building the needed capacity, open knowledge sharing, and empowering systems change leaders. She was amongst others recognised for her outstanding contribution by Forbes (30 under 30), UNEP, UNESCO and the Swiss government, and spoke at events such as the Conference of Swiss Development Cooperation, the Swiss Conference of city mayors, TEDx and on global stages next to high level changemakers such as Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus. She holds a BA in International Affairs from the University of St. Gallen and a MSt in Social Innovation from the University of Cambridge. In 2023, she co-founded the well • change atelier to make art-based processes and tools to cultivate connection, creativity, and well-being available to more people.

https://www.norawilhelm.org
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Maastricht ecosystem leadership evening

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