Transformative Spaces is a collective initiative across UN partners whose goal is to convene “safe and inclusive spaces for connection, dialogue, co-creation and transformation”.
An activation and co-creation workshop organized during the Summit of the Future brought together diverse voices to explore the concept, including representatives from a variety of UN entities as well as external stakeholders from the private sector, academia, and Member States. Participants came together to learn and experience how “transformative spaces” can cultivate opportunities for deep connection, co-creation and transformative change in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Participants explored mindfulness and took part in a 3D modelling exercise led by UN Women and NewWork. 3D modelling is an inclusive systems thinking practice used to explore an idea, initiative, challenge or system by creating a 3D model (sculpture) and reflecting upon it from different dimensions and perspectives. Participants worked in groups using everyday materials (e.g., pens, post-its, string, pinecones, etc.) to co-create sculptures, in response to the question:
How can we evolve our current forms of dialogue, interaction, and networks to better meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s needs?
Participants were guided and inspired by several speakers. Eric Martin, the author of Your Leadership Moment and founder of Adaptive Change Advisors, emphasized the importance of trusting one’s path, through the metaphor of hiking. Guidance from those you meet on your path and meaningful conversations can lead to transformative leadership.
Tanya Accone, Senior Adviser on Innovation at UNICEF’s Office of Innovation, stressed the value of taking time for reflection and collaboration to address deeper systemic issues like power dynamics and hierarchies, which are often hard to confront but essential for real progress.
Laurel Patterson, Director of the SDG Integration Portfolio at UNDP highlighted how COVID-19 emphasized the interconnectedness of global challenges and the need for deeper collaboration. She urged the importance of reimagining collaboration and fostering innovation to address rising insecurity and disconnection.
To conclude the workshop, Professor Henan Cheng, Executive Director of the Center on Chinese Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, emphasized that concepts such as "Transformative Spaces" are essential for global collaboration and advocated for adaptive and innovative learning models to tackle complex, global challenges.
Participants shared their thoughts on group commitments to prioritize and continue co-creation. Commitments included fostering innovation and creative thinking, cultivating transparency and diversity, and a commitment to continuous engagement. Following the workshop participants were asked to vote on the top three commitments which will guide the future planning of Transformative Spaces.