Practical
Saturday, 5 December, 2026
- 11:00 until 18:00
De Markten
Oude Graanmarkt 5
1000 Brussel
Oude Graanmarkt 5
1000 Brussel
Pay-what-you-can: €14, €20 (suggested price), €26. Students: €8
After all, we live in a time of major challenges: think of climate disruption and growing inequality. This raises urgent questions. How do we build a future that works for everyone? And what does it take not only to imagine that future, but also to make it happen?
We ask the big questions, such as the one posed by Anna Tsing: What is the art of living on a damaged planet? Questions that feel increasingly urgent in a world marked by extreme heatwaves and wildfires. They also remind us that this is ultimately a matter of justice, both here and in the Global South. Those who contribute least to ecological disruption are often the ones who suffer its consequences most. Nepal is a painful example. And that's why we need to keep having these conversations.
Ecopolis remains a place to spark the imagination and challenge conventional thinking. Because we can only build a better society if we are able to imagine it first.
First names: Emma Holten, Tine Hens, Jonas Van der Slycken, Jeroen Oomen, Wim Peumans, Nikki Dekker.
Programme
Keep an eye on this page for updates! We’ll be announcing the full program throughout November.
About Ecopolis
Ecopolis is the regular gathering for those committed to a sustainable future. Because ecological challenges know no language or national borders, Ecopolis aims to be diverse, international and interactive. Ecopolis brings together authors from home and abroad to discuss the transition to a socio-ecological society. Inspiring books, documentaries and dialogues between writers, scientists and thinkers from civil society on ecology, the economy and society are always at the heart of the event.
Ecopolis 2026 is a project of Oikos in collaboration with Kaaitheater, Muntpunt, De Markten, VUB Crosstalks, De Transformisten, deBuren, Brussels Academy, Masereelfonds, Broederlijk Delen, Reset.Vlaanderen, beweging.net, vdk bank, Green European Foundation and Literatuur Vlaanderen.
The world needs you
This initiative is part of VUB's public programme, a programme for everyone who believes that scientific knowledge, critical thinking and dialogue are an important first step to create impact in the world.
As an Urban Engaged University, VUB aims to be a driver of change in the world. With our academic edcuational programmes and innovative research, we contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and to making a difference locally and globally.