Bonn is one of the centers for the SDGs. As a UN city, Bonn hosts the SDG Action Campaign and the annual Global Festival of Action. Furthermore, sustainability is a core part of the agenda agreed upon by the municipality.

We are 6 years into the 2030 agenda around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet, we still have two obstacles on our way:

• There are some places to learn about the SDGs, but none to ​consciously apply them. To break down the abstract concept of the SDGs and apply it right where we are, we need a physical space, examples, and a supportive community.

• Second, the SDGs are presented in an abstract and “organization-like” way. We struggle to make it tangible and accessible for everyone. Therefore they are not easy to apply on the level of individuals and local communities on a daily basis. There is so much potential in every one of us to contribute to a thriving, just, and sustainable future! But how & where? How do my actions relate to the SDGs?

It is time to bring the SDGs down to Earth!

Recognizing the urgency and need for such a place, we initiated SDG Action Space in Bonn. All ideas need a home. We believe that Tannenbusch House, an international community center, is the perfect location for all ideas around the SDGs. It’s a place to discuss, test, and experiment. As a community center and space of trust, we provide not only the physical space but also an enthusiastic team that has a profound experience in creating workshops and events on sustainable development.

The overarching goal is to create a motivating and practical learning environment for the implementation of the SDGs. We take concrete action, make existing commitments visible and connect established organizations with motivated people and their aspiring ideas.

First of all, it is the first of its kind in Bonn! A local representation center of the SDGs, a place for learning about the SDGs, but more importantly, putting them into practice and taking concrete actions to develop sustainable projects for the city. Besides raising awareness of the SDGs, our approach is very action-oriented. The workshops & events in the SDG Action Space will have a focus on testing and acting. They will result in a new level of engagement of the local community in the course of action, of the city of Bonn, towards sustainable development.
Secondly: we bring SDG down to Earth, make it comprehensive and accessible for actions on the individual level, and suitable for practical application in our daily lives. You can only use something only when you fully understand it. We ensure that you know how to translate your desire for sustainable living into tangible benefits for the planet and those who live on it.
The SDG Action Space is a logical response to the requirements we need to meet to achieve the sustainable goals by 2030. We create the environment for taking concrete actions instead of long hours of abstract and theoretical talks.
Partnerships and support
To tap into the potential of everyone and have a greater impact, we create the project together with responsible member organizations and rely on the support of our community.
Organizationally speaking, the SDG Action Space is a multi-stakeholder project that unites prominent actors (e.g. NGOs, the private sector, and the local government) and unifies their various interests with one common goal – to make the SDGs work.