The online Degrowth Movement Assembly 2025 included presentations and many thematic group discussions. More specifically, the Delinking collective, formed during the ESEE-Degrowth Conference 2024, presented their key arguments and upcoming activities (watch the recording here (external link)). In addition, there selected contributions on activism, events, policy, and communication for degrowth were made (watch the recording here (external link)).
Below is a brief overview of the key points raised in the group discussions. We invite you to read the full summaries (external link) and explore the minutes of each group discussion. Please note that these are not official positions of the IDN but rather reflect the concerns and ideas of participants from the 2025 Online Degrowth Movement Assembly (60-70 individuals and representatives from various organisations, IDN and non-IDN members). Sometimes, their views can even be contradictory. The key points raised, along with the evaluations of the online Degrowth Movement Assembly insights, will be used to structure the agenda for the on-site Degrowth Movement Assembly in Oslo (please contact us at info[at]degrowth.net, if you wish to get actively involved in the process).
One of the thematic discussions was focused on bridging degrowth theory and practice, and two distinct perspectives emerged. In the European and North American context, the discussion highlighted local initiatives like Repair Cafes and community food projects as ways to practice degrowth, while also emphasising the need for systemic change and stronger links between grassroots movements and institutions. There was also concern about the degrowth movement unintentionally reproducing existing societal problems, such as patriarchy, exclusion and the marginalisation of the working class, even while aiming to challenge dominant systems. In contrast, the discussion around the Latin American context focused on the limits of using the term “degrowth,” which is often seen as abstract or negative, and instead stressed the need to connect with local struggles, address historical injustices and structural inequalities like colonialism, and build solidarity between the Global North and South.
Another thematic discussion was focused on organisational challenges, such as lack of financial resources and time. It was a small group discussion that mainly revolved around the IDN. Participants discussed the value of keeping the network loosely structured to foster connection and flexibility, while also acknowledging the need for some coordination to support engagement and action. One key issue raised was the importance of compensating essential reproductive and organisational work. Relying solely on unpaid labour risks reinforcing existing inequalities, and the idea of a small, adaptable list of paid roles was suggested. These roles could be defined collectively.
The group discussion on degrowth and cultural transformation focused on making degrowth more accessible and culturally relevant. Participants highlighted the need to move beyond academic discourse and embed degrowth within the organisational structures. A major challenge is addressing the dominant neoliberal narratives and overcoming fears that degrowth means losing modern comforts. Inclusive communication is key, along with reframing the language to work better for broader audiences. Emphasis was placed on systemic change, not individual blame, and on fostering collective reflection through different spaces where people meet, collaborate, interact, learn and share.
The group discussion on events for degrowth revolved around ways of creating inclusive, interactive, and diverse degrowth events that not only promote learning but also shared action and community building. The group discussion on policy campaigning for degrowth focused on the need to bridge the gap between abstract visions and everyday concerns by offering hopeful, relatable alternatives to the current system. While national-level platforms remain weak, grassroots and municipal efforts could be focused on tangible issues like housing, transport, and working time to operate as entry points for political engagement and collective action.
Overall, this assembly was a successful first attempt at organising a virtual Degrowth Movement Assembly. In the evaluations we received, participants highlighted both the urgency and complexity of building a political movement around degrowth. To move forward, they emphasised the need to confront power dynamics, amplify underrepresented voices, and connect bold visions with concrete action. Political education, inclusive structures, and alliances across media, unions, and local governments will be important. We are now moving towards the on-site Degrowth Movement Assembly in Oslo, building on the knowledge, insights, and reflections gathered during these days of the online assembly!