Annual Political School: the Limits to Growth

Closed-door Event

The Annual Political School took place from 9.-11. September 2022 in Lokve, Slovenia. As a program of political education it offers a new imaginary for social action – more understanding, knowledge and opportunities to raise awareness on the ecological emergency humanity finds itself in, and on the systemic alternatives to the growth-dependent economy. The political school was located at the heart of the Trnovo Forest Plateau in the village Lokve (elevation 930m). 

The program covered a range of topics , which can be broken down into three themes: Limits to Growth, the City Rises, and the State of Control. All were presented in various formats (lectures, round table debates, smaller working groups, practical activities, evening talk, etc.) The aim of the program was to create a specific space for building a knowledge platform that promotes exchange. We explored the possibilities of building stronger connections (among intellectuals, re- searchers, civil society, business, entrepreneurs, media, policymakers and politicians). The program was an impulse to co-shape trends for new politics and progressive ideas in public discourse in Slovenia and Europe. Moreover, this year’s school was also about building a momentum ahead of several landmark events, notably the European Parliament’s Beyond Growth conference in May 2023, and the International degrowth conference in Zagreb in 2023.