Mission

In 2005, the Institute began the internal process of drawing up its overarching principles. The Institute’s 100 or so employees, and the seven honorary members who make up the Institute’s Executive Board, were involved in this exercise from the very beginning; they have helped to shape the Institute’s identity and position. And they have all approved the results, as have the Institute’s Boards and General Assembly.

Throughout the process, the Institute received valuable feedback from some 30 external partners and friends. This is the first time since it was founded in 1977 that the Institute has explicitly defined itself, its work, its vision, values and plans for the future, as well as redefining some of these and recording the overall picture in writing.

Here are selected extracts from the “Our Mission” chapter.

Our Mission

In our value-driven scientific research and consultancy work, we join with our partners and clients to build foundations and strategies that make the vision of sustainable development a local, national and global reality. We deploy our ideas, understanding and knowledge to convince stakeholders that change is required and to help them make that change.

We challenge society
We identify the consequences of society’s actions before they occur. We
then raise awareness among decision makers and the public of the challenges which lie ahead for policymakers, industry, the scientific community and civil society.

We are visionaries
We are creative in our depictions of positive futures. The pictures we paint speak to people and convince them that it is worth working towards change in society.

We are trailblazers
We find viable pathways from the present to a future that everyone
wants. We focus on finding solutions in key areas where we see that developments are on the wrong track and urgently need a new direction,
areas where we believe we can make a significant contribution.

We are honest brokers
We support strategic alliances and coalitions which work towards preserving the environment and the natural resource base on which life depends. Yet we also initiate debate in society and approach those whose interests conflict with this goal. We are committed to ensuring that the groundwork for important decisions in society is laid transparently and fairly. All stakeholder groups, including those affected by the decisions, must be involved to guarantee long-term success.

Here>> you can read the whole mission statement.

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