On March 27, the symposium ‘Aspiring Commons – (Re)discoveries and Learning Opportunities from the Global South’ took place. This event brought together academics and practitioners to explore the lessons we can learn from commons initiatives in the Global South.

The keynote was given by Ruth Meinzen-Dick, Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Her rich research experience in countries such as India, Nepal and Tanzania offered valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of commons management.

In addition to the keynote, there were presentations by various researchers. Rosalba Icaza Garza (ISS, Erasmus University Rotterdam) raised the ethical question of how life is possible without complicity in the exploitation of people and nature. Fabio de Castro (University of Amsterdam) explained how agro-commons in Brazil can serve as a source of inspiration for other regions in promoting more inclusive and sustainable value chains. Julie-Marthe Lehmann (Spaarkracht) shared insights from her research on savings groups and their social and financial impact in the Netherlands.

The panel discussion, moderated by Lukas Held, offered a dynamic discussion between Ruth Meinzen-Dick, Cee Marlin (Marlin Yard Foundation) and Taslim Alade (Rotterdam School of Management). They discussed the exchange between academics and practitioners. The panel members emphasized the importance of fieldwork, intensive collaboration, an open attitude and mutual respect.

The symposium offered the opportunity to explore transdisciplinary approaches. The exchange of knowledge and experiences not only yielded new insights, but also provided starting points for further collaboration and research.