Keynote presentations by Prof. Dr. Andreas Klee and Natalie Nikolaus on the topic “Local Spatial and Environmental Planning”

As part of the Forum Sustainability event series, the third event for the 2026 summer term, focusing on the overreaching theme of "Local sustainability policy", took place on June 10th, 2026. Following a brief introduction by Gina-Sophia Krug, Prof. Dr. Andreas Klee (Akademie für Raumentwicklung in der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft, JMU) and Natalie Nikolaus (JMU) gave presentations on the topic “Local Spatial and Environmental Planning”. 

Prof. Dr. Andreas Klee opened the event with a presentation on urban planning in the context of sustainable development. He pointed out that challenges such as climate protection, land use and housing development often conflict with one another. Furthermore, sustainable development as a guiding principle for planning is difficult to put into practice; in particular, the broad concept of sustainability – which treats the three dimensions of ecology, economy, and social issues as equally important – complicates the planning process. A fair balancing of public and private interests is central to this. Using the example of inner-city urban development – based on the principle of “inner development before outer development” – he pointed out existing potential for conflict but also highlighted solutions such as dual inner development or the “15-minute city,” as well as the indispensability of citizen participation. In conclusion, Klee emphasized that urban planning tools are only partially suitable for addressing climate and ecological challenges in particular, since, among other things, the non-binding nature of goals such as land conservation places little pressure on municipalities and other interests and challenges – such as the housing shortage – increasingly dominate the balancing of interests. 

In her presentation, Natalie Nikolaus focused on life-stage-oriented spatial and environmental planning aimed at achieving a sustainable balance between family, work and college studies. Based on a concept of family that includes not only raising children but also caregiving and drawing on Textor’s seven stages of family development, she addressed the various challenges of balancing family with work or college studies such as time constraints, financial pressures, and psychological stress. She cited flexible work schedules, reliable childcare and home office options provided by employers as well as supportive care services as potential solutions. She also pointed out that it is not always possible to give equal consideration to all three dimensions of sustainability. As measures to support work-life balance, she also cited reducing the gender care gap, having nearby and easily accessible commutes, care facilities and counseling centers as well as economic support for women. Specifically, she referred to the “15-minute city,” sustainable construction, social infrastructure such as neighborhood centers and the expansion of public spaces to create inclusive, freely accessible and easily reachable places for social interaction and recreation. Local governments play an important role in the implementation. In conclusion, she emphasized that the surrounding areas must also be considered along with the associated complexities.
Following the two keynote presentations a lively discussion took place with the audience. 

The event can also be credited towards the GSiK Certificates ("Intercultural Competence" in areas B and C, as well as "Sustainability and Global Responsibility")!

The events will be organized in interdisciplinary cooperation with the Chair of Social Science Sustainability Research, the Department of Political Theory, the Chair of International Relations and European Studies, the Chair of Public Law and International Economic Law, the Chair of Human Geography and the WueLAB.