World Goetheanum Forum 2026
Economic health as a reflection of societal health and vice versa
Despite all the crises and challenges of our time, there is reason for hope. Everywhere, people are beginning to rethink the economy – in a holistic, responsible and sustainable way for everyone. Initiatives, companies and networks are emerging that are breaking new ground and demonstrating that a different form of economic activity is possible. At the World Goetheanum Forum 2026, we will focus on two poles: what works and what causes harm.
The Forum sees itself as a space for research and encounter: a place where experiences are shared, perspectives broadened and new approaches developed together. This year, our key questions are:
- What are concrete practices of associative economics today?
- Can we revitalize the concept of "association"—what does it mean under current conditions?
- Which associative processes could gradually enable a sustainable economy?
- How do we, as human beings, develop the capacity for connection—to ourselves and to the world—as the foundation for a sustainable economy?
The way we work, live and conduct business is inextricably linked to our personal and societal well-being.
The way we create value, make decisions and shape relationships has a profound impact on the reality of our lives – both individually and collectively. What holds true in medicine and psychology – that connection promotes health, whilst disconnection leads to illness – could also apply to economic and social processes.
Where relationships are vibrant, development flourishes. Where they break down, tensions and crises arise. This makes the ability to connect a key skill for the future – not only in interpersonal relations but also in economic activity.
The forum invites us to explore these connections together, to learn from one another and to develop ideas for an economy that serves life. We invite you to explore, exchange ideas and think ahead – with people who have already set out on this path, and with those who are seeking it.
Contributors
More to follow shortly
Melanie Nay
Economist and Ethicist, CH
Benjamin Hohlmann
Kaffeemacher:innen GmbH, CH
Georg Soldner
Pediatrician, DE
Elisabeth Thoma
Thoma Holz GmbH, A
Falk Zientz
GLS Bank, DE
Roland Peeters
Mercurius International, NL
Andreas Rebmann
Projectmanager Software AG-Stiftung, DE
Benjamin Brockhaus
Sustainability economist, CH
Magdalena Ries
Experiential Educator, DE
Christiane Leiste
Deep democracy, DE
Andreas Kaiser
Head chef, Anfora, CH
Tagungsübersicht
Venue: Goetheanum, Schreinerei, Rüttiweg 45, 4143 Dornach, Switzerland
By invitation:
Committee meeting
Start: 12.30 pm
Arrival & registration
Joint opening session:
Introduction to the topic
“Association & Dissociation”
Presentations:
Practical examples and perspectives from business and society
Discussion:
Initial opportunities for dialogue and networking
Starting the day together
Workshops & in-depth sessions:
Group work on key issues
Wrap-up:
Insights, perspectives and next steps
Conclusion
Optional:
Networking dinner (bookable separately), further details to follow
WGA Partner Meeting and Project Meeting (by invitation only)