New European Bauhaus Prizes 2023

Initiative category

Identify the award category for which this initiative is being submitted
Reconnecting with nature

Email user
urinoymeir@gmail.com

Basic information
Initiative title
Conference of Beings

Full initiative Title
Conference Of Beings (COB): Embodying our interconnectedness to transform education a democracies

Please provide a short, catchy description of your initiative to be used in communication towards the public.
Let's embody the wisdom of nature and build eco-centered democracies together!

What was the geographical scope of your intiative?
Cross-border/international

Where was your intiative implemented?
Location 1
Italy

Location 2
Spain

Member State(s), Western Balkans and other countries
{Empty}

If relevant, insert names of region(s)/municipality(ies) involved
Municipality of Casalbordino, Italy
Municipality of Torino di Sangro, Italy
Region of Umbria, Italy
Municipality of Fuengirola, Spain

Does your initiative address mainly urban or rural issues?
It addresses urban-rural linkages

Does your initiative refer to a physical transformation of the built environment or other types of transformations (hard or soft investments)?
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)

Has your initiative benefited from EU programmes and/or funds?
No

Has your initiative won an EU prize with a monetary value awarded?
No

Does your initiative has a minimum level of maturity? The minimum level of maturity is exemplified by stakeholder/ initiative promoter commitment to implement the initiative in practice and a clear methodology /approach.
Yes

On whose behalf are you submitting the application?
As individual(s) in partnership with organisation(s)
If you are submitting this intiative as part of a group, please provide the contact details of the other individuals or organisations
- First name: Uri Yitchak
  Last name: Noy Meir
  Gender: Male
  Please describe the type of organization(s) you work in partnership with: The project has been co-created in collaboration with local organizations across Italy and Spain, including municipalities in Italy and Spain. Through a network of associations and learning institutes, we are connected with various stakeholders, including schools, universities, research institutions, NGOs, environmental groups, and local communities. This partnership approach ensures inclusiveness and considers the perspectives and needs of different actors in our efforts to build eco-centered democracies. We aim to create a more sustainable and equitable future by working together.
  Nationality: Germany
  If relevant, please select your other nationality: Israel
  Function: Facilitator
  Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: piazza fabio filzi 10
  Town: Crespina Lorenzana
  Postal code: 56042
  Country: Italy
  Direct Tel: +39 334 283 4302
  E-mail: urinoymeir@gmail.com
  Website: https://linktr.ee/urinoymeir
Social Media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.)
- URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uri-noy-meir2020/
  Social media handle and associated hashtag(s): @urinoymeir
In case my initiative is selected as a finalist of the NEB Prizes 2023, I agree to share the name (individual and/or organisation’s), email address, website and social media accounts indicated above with other NEB Prizes finalists. I also agree to publish the name (individual and/or organisation’s), website and social media accounts indicated above next to the public description of my initiative in the channels of the European Commission.
Yes

How did you hear about the New European Bauhaus Prizes?
New European Bauhaus or European Commission websites

Description of the initiative
Please provide a summary of your initiative
The Conference of Beings (COB) cultivates reconnective leadership and embodied wisdom to promote eco-centered democracies. The project invites people of all ages to connect their embodied knowledge and the earth's wisdom in education and learning initiatives that give voice to other than human points of view. This is achieved through workshops, group activities, and storytelling to foster empathy and encourage participants to take a new perspective on nature and themselves. The project aims to create an interconnected community that values the contributions of all and supports the regeneration of our shared ecosystem. The project evolves and includes several projects and initiatives, namely: Communitas (2014), In the Name of the Mother (2015), Project Puzzle (2017), We Are Earth (2019), Voicing Gaia (2020), Project Life (2020) MindGen (2021), and Back to Earth (2022).

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with 5 key words.
Reconnecting

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
Embodied

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
Leadership

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
Transforming

Please indicate the main themes of your initiative with key words
Ecosystems

Please give information about the key objectives of your initiative in terms of sustainability and how these have been/will be met. Please highlight how the initiative can be exemplary in this context.
COB events aim to promote reconnection with nature and promote eco-centered democracies. This is achieved through embodied leadership workshops, which invite participants of all ages to embody and give voice to beings other than humans. The workshops provide opportunities for learning and growth, fostering a sense of belonging to nature and inspiring a change of perspective that cultivates an eco-awareness of self and others. By connecting, transforming, and regenerating the relationship between humans and the natural world, our initiative demonstrates the power of art to create meaningful change. The project exemplifies bringing people together and facilitating profound and transformative learning experiences that promote sustainability, regeneration, and reconnection through art-making processes.

Please give information about the key objectives of your initiative in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people (through design, positive emotions and cultural benefits) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the initiative can be exemplary in this context.
The COB provides a transformative, immersive, and positive experience that enhances their connection to nature and encourages people to adopt an eco-centric perspective. Through artistic performance, embodied practices, and a multisensory environment, we aim to convey a sense of belonging to nature and inspire people to feel a sense of reverence for all living beings. This initiative is exemplary in its focus on the aesthetics and quality of experience for people, as well as its holistic approach to sustainability by connecting people to nature and encouraging eco-centric thinking, an essential condition for a sustainable future.

Please give information about the key objectives of your initiative in terms of inclusion (ranging from accessibility and affordability for all to inclusive governing systems, design for all principles or new societal models) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the initiative can be exemplary in this context.
We promote inclusiveness and accessibility for all through embodied wisdom and reconnective leadership. This is achieved by inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to embody and give voice to beings other than humans, inspired by the work of Joana Macy. Our design principles and facilitation methods aim to create a safe and supportive space for all participants to express themselves, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The initiative is exemplary in this context as it actively works towards creating an inclusive and equitable society by promoting empathy and interconnectivity through hands-on, experiential learning. The affordability of our events is also ensured by keeping participation fees low and offering scholarships to those in need. Additionally, our governing systems prioritize collaboration and collective decision-making, further demonstrating our commitment to inclusiveness and social justice.

Please explain the way citizens benefiting from or affected by the initiative and civil society have been/will be involved in the initiative and what has been/will be the impact of this involvement on the initiative
OUr goal has always been to create an inclusive and participatory process where individuals can actively contribute to the design and implementation of our activities. We believe that this approach will not only ensure the relevance and impact of our initiatives but also foster a sense of ownership and responsibility toward the outcome.

The key aspect of involving citizens and civil society is through workshops and learning initiatives that aim to connect people with nature and help them embody the voices and perspectives of other beings. These workshops are open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and we encourage participants to bring their own experiences and views to the table. Through this embodied learning process, individuals can gain a new perspective and develop a deeper connection with nature.

Please explain how different stakeholders at various levels (local, regional, national, European) were engaged in the design and implementation of the initiative.
We engage various stakeholders at local, regional, and national levels to co-create and implement eco-centered solutions. Through collaborative workshops and dialogues, we bring together communities, government agencies, cultural institutions, and educational organizations to co-design programs that promote reconnection with nature and embodied wisdom for ecological democracies. Our approach emphasizes inclusiveness, equitable decision-making, and intergenerational collaboration to ensure long-term impact and sustainability with an awareness-based and nature-led system change approach.

Please explain which disciplines and/ or knowledge fields were reflected in the design and implementation of your initiative. Please explain how representatives of these different fields interacted with each other, and what the added value of this process was
The design and implementation of the initiative was informed by a multidisciplinary approach that brought together a diverse range of knowledge fields and disciplines. The initiative draws from fields such as social art, theatre education, philosophy, deep ecology, auto anthropology, and permaculture design, among others. The interaction between representatives from these fields resulted in the creation of a holistic program that integrates the various perspectives and approaches to address the challenges faced by society today. The added value of this multidisciplinary approach lies in the rich and diverse knowledge that was brought to the table, leading to innovative solutions and a more inclusive approach to the design and implementation of the initiative. This approach also encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration, fostering new and creative ways of thinking and problem-solving, ultimately leading to a more impactful and sustainable outcome.

in particular we bring voices of other than humans and future generations into the conversation on climate. This adds a unique perspective to the discussion, allowing us to understand the impact of our actions on the entire ecosystem, not just humans. By embodying and giving voice to beings other than humans, we are able to broaden the scope of our thinking and create more inclusive and regenerative solutions. Through this process, we aim to inspire a change of perspective towards nature and to foster a deeper sense of belonging to the natural world.

Please highlight the innovative character of the initiative, when compared to mainstream actions in the field of the initiative
Our initiative is innovative in several ways compared to mainstream actions in the field of eco-centered education and leadership. First, it incorporates a unique approach of embodied wisdom, where participants are invited to embody and give voice to non-human beings and future generations. This approach challenges the dominant human-centric perspective and encourages a more holistic and interconnected understanding of our place in the world. Secondly, the initiative is designed to facilitate a multi-disciplinary and inclusive collaboration, where representatives from various fields such as art, ecology, education, and governance interact and share their perspectives. This collaborative approach fosters the creation of new, integrated solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future. Finally, the initiative highlights the importance of not just addressing the symptoms of ecological and social challenges, but also transforming the systems and structures that create them, promoting systemic change and regeneration.

Please describe which elements of your initiative could be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries and contexts. This may involve, for example, aspects of the methodology, technology, processes, products, learnings, etc.
The initiative can be replicated in other places and contexts as it is a flexible and adaptable program that can be tailored to fit the specific needs of different communities. The methodology of embodied wisdom and reconnective leadership, which involves giving voice to non-human beings and future generations, can be applied in other environmental education and awareness initiatives. The focus on inclusive design, accessibility, and affordability can also be adopted by other programs to ensure that all members of the community can participate and benefit. Additionally, the interdisciplinary approach, which brings together representatives from various knowledge fields, can be replicated in other initiatives to encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration and bring a diversity of perspectives to the conversation.

Please describe the methodology or approach used in your initiative.
The methodology used in the initiative involves a participatory and embodied approach to environmental education and leadership. This approach is centered on the idea of "reconnecting" with nature and fostering a sense of interdependence between humans and other beings. It is inspired by the work of Joanna Macy and her "Work That Reconnects" philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of emotional and spiritual connection to the natural world as a means of inspiring action for environmental protection.

The initiative consists of a series of workshops and events that invite people of all ages to embody and give voice to beings other than humans. Through this process, participants are able to gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all life and the impact of their actions on the natural world. They are also encouraged to develop their own leadership skills and engage in creative expression, such as storytelling, poetry, and performance.

This approach blends elements of environmental education, creative expression, and participatory leadership development to create a unique and impactful experience for participants. The approach is highly adaptable and could be replicated in a variety of contexts and with different groups of beneficiaries.

Please explain what kind of global challenges the initiative addresses by providing local solutions
The initiative addresses the global challenge of disconnection from nature and the need for a shift towards eco-centric democracies. Through a process of embodied wisdom and reconnective leadership, it provides a local solution by inviting people of all ages to give voice to beings other than humans and to embody their perspectives. This process aims to inspire a change of perspective and to foster a sense of belonging to nature, thereby contributing to the creation of more inclusive, regenerative, and sustainable communities. The initiative’s approach, which blends art, education, and activism, offers an innovative and replicable model for addressing global environmental and social challenges through local actions.

Please detail the scope of progress in the implementation of the initiative. This can include already demonstrated results/outputs related to the chosen Prizes category, and the already achieved benefits from the initiative for direct and indirect beneficiaries. This can also include a development plan of the initiative, with a particular attention to the steps envisaged in the year following the application, and including envisaged results and benefits from the initiative
The scope of progress in implementing the initiative has been substantial thus far. We have already demonstrated the positive impact of our work through a series of videos, workshops, and performances that have been presented at conferences and events across Europe, and other parts of the world. Our approach, which integrates the principles of reconnective leadership and embodied wisdom, has been well-received by audiences and has sparked meaningful conversations about the role of nature in creating eco-centered democracies. As we move forward, our development plan for the initiative includes expanding our reach and deepening our impact through new collaborations and partnerships. The steps we envisage taking in the year following our application include hosting additional events, developing new resources and tools, and building our network of supporters and allies. Ultimately, our goal is to drive meaningful change by bringing the voices of non-human beings and future generations into the conversation on climate.

Please provide documents that demonstrate the maturity level of the initiative and commitment to implement the initiative in practice (e.g.: evaluation report, final or mid-term initiative report, certification, publications, building permit, grant agreement, letter of support, partnership agreement, etc.)
Web link
Web link
If relevant, please describe how your initiative contributes to developing new competences, especially in the context of the European competence framework on sustainability.
The initiative contributes to developing new competences in the context of the European competence framework on sustainability by fostering skills in environmental awareness and education, interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving, communication, leadership and community building. Through immersive learning experiences such as workshops, performances, and conference presentations, participants are encouraged to embrace a holistic, interconnected view of sustainability and develop the skills necessary to bring about positive change. The focus on reconnecting with nature, embodied wisdom, and eco-centered democracies fosters a deep understanding of the interdependence of all beings and promotes competences related to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Our initiative contributes to the European competence framework on sustainability by promoting sustainability values, supporting fairness and promoting nature. It also fosters critical thinking and systems thinking, and encourages individuals to take action for sustainability. It helps develop new competences, such as futures literacy and adaptability, and supports the Commission's Community of Practice connecting schools and other organizations.
Please attach at least 6 high resolution images or visual representations of your initiative to your application.
If you would like to upload additional documentation, please upload or write below.
By submitting your application you confirm that you are the copyright owner of the images provided and that they can be used by the European Commission for the purposes of promoting the New European Bauhaus on all platforms (websites, print, social media and other).
Yes

By ticking this box, you declare that you are not in in one or more of the exclusion situations foreseen under Article 136 of the Financial Regulation.
Yes

By submitting this application, I declare that I am not related to the entities subject to EU restricted measures under Article 29 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) and subject to Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU)1, and entities covered by Commission Guidelines No 2013/C 205/05), which are not eligible to participate in any capacity.
Yes

By ticking this box, you declare that all the information provided in this form is factually correct, that you assume sole liability in the event of a claim relating to the activities carried out in the framework of the contest, that the proposed initiative has not been proposed for the New European Bauhaus Prizes in any other category or strand and that it has not been subject to any type of investigation, which could lead to a financial correction because of irregularities or fraud.
Yes

By submitting your application, you guarantee that you are the author or have the rights to proceed with the application and to authorise the use of the initiative and that you have obtained any necessary consents, licenses or assignments from third parties and included copyright notices when necessary
Yes

By submitting your application, you understand that all the applications that meet the eligibility requirements will be shared for the purposes of the selection processes, and notably published on the secured platform prizes.new-european-bauhaus.eu and for the purposes of the promotion of these on the New European Bauhaus website and/or other European Commission communication channels. In this sense, the applications would be widely available. Applicants should ensure that they present their initiatives, initiative, in such a way that they could be shared without giving rise to intellectual property related concerns. If your submission is selected as one of the finalists, it will additionally be shared for the purpose of the public vote that will take place. The European Union is granted a licence to use and share your application with the general public and the official external experts for the purposes of the selection process, including the voting. The European Union has the right to use the images and visual materials and the description provided in the application for communication purposes related to the contest and beyond. Rights granted comprise the right to store, reproduce, display, publish and communicate or distribute copies in electronic or digital format, including, but not only, through the internet. Unless you have disclosed your name, the European Commission has no obligation to share your name when using or disseminating your contribution to the public. The European Union cannot be held responsible in case any submitted initiative, initiative is found to infringe third party’s rights. The European Union shall be neither responsible for the use that third parties may do of the applications or related content.
Yes

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you read and understand that the ‘Guide to Applicants’ of the NEB Prizes 2023, available online in the website of the NEB Prizes 2023, is an integral part of this application form and that it must therefore be observed when completing and submitting your application.
Yes