What does the future of digital sustainability look like—and how do we get there? At a time when technology’s environmental and social impacts are under increased scrutiny, aligning innovation with responsibility is no longer optional—it’s essential. With this vision in mind, Digital for Planet brought together its community for a day of reflection, strategy, and bold thinking in the heart of Zurich.
Digital for Planet hosted a pivotal strategy forum in Zurich, where our team of leading minds from research, policy, innovation, and communication convened to drive forward a shared mission: advancing a sustainable and ethical digital future. The gathering, held at L200 in Zurich, brought together D4P’s diverse ecosystem for a full day of insight, ideation, and alignment.
The morning opened with a broad look at digital sustainability. From the state of art of fundamental and applied scientific research to corporate developments and the evolving EU and Swiss policy landscapes, participants explored the current momentum shaping this rapidly growing field. A key point of discussion focused on how D4P can further leverage its role and impact within the digital sustainability space.
The conversation then shifted to communication strategy, with a dynamic, interactive session inviting participants to reimagine how D4P presents its vision, mission and values to the world. This was followed by an in-depth look at how the organization can work more effectively and contribute to strategic research and innovation EU projects addressing the most pressing issues of our society, where digital innovation can play a central role in contributing to protect and regenerate the environment, while driving sustainable societal and economic progress.
“Digital for Planet is growing in terms of visibility, reputation and most of all expertise in selected research and innovation areas, which are key to ensure a sustainable and inclusive development and adoption of digital technologies.” says Dr Monique Calisti, the Founder and President of Digital for Planet.
Looking Ahead
After lunch, the agenda pivoted to future opportunities. A session on new funding sources and partnerships sparked fresh ideas for growth, followed by a comparative analysis from other non-profit organizations in the digital sustainability space. This benchmarking exercise highlighted potential pathways for D4P to amplify its message and broaden its reach.
In the final stretch of the day, participants collectively discussed the newly proposed organization’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives. Through an engaging workshop, the group reflected on D4P’s direction and laid the groundwork for the elaboration of concrete action plans. The forum concluded with a collective commitment to further work to actively translate strategy into impact. The insightful D4P strategic retreat in Zurich endend on a celebratory note of a shared future vision – and a heartfelt farewell to a dear departing team member.
“The realization of this strategic retreat was a team effort. The contribution of each one of the D4P group members was what made the day so insightful and productive. We learned from each contribution and presentation and from the individual research and preparatory work for the retreat. We were all enriched by the different ideas and perspectives that come with the diversity of expertise’s, cultures and professional journeys we have in the organization”, said proudly Dr. Cristina Pereira, Digital for Planet Director who chaired the event.
D4P’s strategic gathering was more than a meeting; it was a reaffirmation of purpose. As the organization continues to champion ethical digital innovation, this moment of reflection and collaboration sets the tone for bold steps forward in shaping a digitally sustainable future.
