Hi ,

Together we can achieve more – not only in the fight against climate change, but also in the development of innovative projects that harness the power of collaboration and exchange. 

Last week, Anika Nicolaas Ponder, head of Sustainability and Innovation at IKEM, emphasised the value of collaboration when she met with major decision-makers – including Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Minister Robert Habeck – at the Ostdeutsches Wirtschaftsforum. In this June edition of the newsletter, she shares her impressions of the event.

Below, we also check in on the progress of another collaborative effort – our crowdfunding campaign for EQT: The Gender Equality Toolkit for Working Women and Friends. From now until the campaign ends on 10 July, we’re offering rewards for donations of nearly every size. Don't miss out! Visit our campaign page to pre-order toolkits and to claim rewards ranging from tote bags to custom gender equality workshops and trainings.

We close out this edition by reporting on some of the month's exciting events here at IKEM, including the release of new studies, the launch of a new project website and an inspiring visit from a US student delegation.

We hope you enjoy the read!

Until next time,

The IKEM Communications Team

Since 2016, the Ostdeutsches Wirtschaftsforum (OWF) has been one of the leading business conferences in Germany. Each year, it brings together thought leaders from business, politics, science and society. At this year's conference, Anika Nicolaas Ponder, head of IKEM’s Sustainability and Innovation Department, participated in a panel discussion on the topic of energy and gave a presentation titled 'The green energy future of East Germany' to key decision-makers.

At the event, Nicolaas Ponder also had the opportunity to speak with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Robert Habeck about one of IKEM's focus areas: how to convey information about the energy transition and other societal challenges to the public in accessible ways. She described IKEM’s use of innovative communication formats in projects like EQT: The Gender Equality Toolkit and the Infographic Energy Transition Coloring Book – and even gave both officials a copy of the book!

'The OWF brought industry and world leaders together to map out a path to a green energy future, driven by the need for independence from Russian energy imports and by the climate crisis,' said Nicolaas Ponder. 'It was great to be part of a group of experts who think big and are up for this exciting challenge!'