A fitting end to NRP 73
04.07.2023
NRP 73 draws to a close with groundbreaking policy recommendations.
On 15 May 2023, the NRP 73 researchers and Steering Committee met with other participants in Bern to mark the end of NRP 73. A diverse group of experts and stakeholders came together for this closing event.
The morning began with a stimulating panel discussion between members of the NRP 73 Steering Committee, moderated by Dr Barbara Dubach, Head of Knowledge & Technology Transfer. The discussion focused on the key topics and global changes that have arisen since the start of NRP 73. "NRP 73: progress and challenges" covers the highlights of this panel discussion.
The panel discussion was followed by a presentation of key findings from the thematic syntheses on circular economy, sustainable food system and forest ecosystem services, plus a brief introduction to the postfossilCities simulation game. The subsequent workshops gave participants an opportunity to explore these topics in more depth and consider possible next steps.
In the afternoon, the results of the co-creation labs were presented and discussed in greater detail in interactive workshops.
Another highlight was the presentation by Prof. Gunter Stephan, Co-President of NRP 73, looking at the most important findings, recommendations and actionable results arising from the White Paper. This was followed by a panel discussion with experts. "NRP 73 “Advancing Sustainability” White Paper" provides an overview of the White Paper’s recommendations.
An intensive and sometimes heated discussion, moderated by Christine Maier, took place on the podium. Participants including Pascal Bärtschi, CEO of Losinger Marazzi, Susanne Blank from the Federal Office for the Environment, Prof. Regina Betz, Co-President of NRP 73, Dr Elgin Brunner from WWF Switzerland, Alexander Keberle from economiesuisse and Ruedi Noser, member of the Council of States for the FDP, talked in depth about the implications of the White Paper. "Highlights of the discussion on the NRP 73 White Paper" summarises the highlights of this podium discussion.
The closing conference featured musical interludes from Jonas Elmiger on the marimba and Michael Elsener with a humorous take on the proceedings. A video showing the day’s highlights has been produced.