An International Action Learning Congress on sustainable development will take place 15th 16th 17th of September 2025 at the Academy of Sustainability in Pöllau Austria.  The region has recently been recognised as the first sustainability region in Europe by the European Government with action learning at its heart. Pöllau is an historic market town situated in Styria where at the heart is the Cathedral and Castle where the congress will be held. As a former recreation area for the monastery the grounds still offer a great place to relax and offers outdoor classrooms with views of the mountains.

The conference will be face-to face and run from lunchtime on Monday 15^th through to lunchtime Wednesday 17th.  There will be opportunities to visit organisations and businesses in the region who are using action learning to create the first sustainable region in Europe.

The title of the congress is Developing Collective Purpose:  Developing capacity for sustainable development with two particular themes:

1. Action learning as an agent for bring together communities to act with purpose. Sustainability requires not just action by individuals, teams, and organisations but a deep collaboration between organisations and within organisations. Every organisation connects and has always connected to its customers, its suppliers its partners and its community in some way. However, the relationship is generally transactional – selling to customers, buying from suppliers, negotiating with partners, and doing ‘CSR’.

Action learning creates spaces and ways that encourage us to interrelate at a deeper level to go beyond the transactional response to the climate crisis to doing better things together for our communities and our planet.

2. Leading with purpose – action learning allows leadership at all levels to blossom in service of purpose and collective action for sustainability. It is much more than techniques of problem-solving, but rather a need for active listening, and equal, truthful, and sincere exchanges, creating ways of organising that are collaborative

Papers and Accounts of Practice on how action learning supports sustainability in organisations and communities and purpose driven leadership at all levels are welcome.  Full details, including booking will be posted shortly.

Further information:

Action Learning: Research and Practice journal

Centre for Action Learning

Potential Benefits of the Congress

1. In-depth knowledge on Action Learning and sustainability
   • Participants will gain first-hand insight into how Action Learning can be leveraged to achieve sustainability goals.
   • Practical examples and proven methods will enhance the range of approaches available—both for organizations and for municipalities.
2. Networking and collaboration
   • The event will bring together international experts, local stakeholders, and representatives from business, academia, and civil society.
   • This broad exchange fosters new contacts and potential collaborations that can have lasting impact beyond the conference.
   • Exposure to diverse perspectives increases the likelihood of developing innovative, holistic solutions.
3. Insight into Europe’s first Sustainability Region
   • The Pöllau region in Styria is regarded as a frontrunner in sustainable regional development.
   • Attendees will have the opportunity to visit local businesses and organizations, learning about their sustainability practices directly on site.
   • Experiencing successful case studies in person can inspire the transfer of new ideas to one’s own organization or region.
4. Deep collaboration beyond transactional relationships
   • A central theme is “collective action with a shared purpose,” moving beyond mere transactional interactions.
   • Action Learning builds trust-based relationships that are vital in addressing crises like climate change.
   • The method offers space for reflective dialogue and joint problem solving—shifting from simply “selling and buying” to truly working together.
5. Strengthening leadership competencies (‘Leading with Purpose’)
   • Sustainability requires leadership at all levels—not just at the top.
   • Action Learning encourages a culture of listening, openness, and authentic communication.
   • These competencies empower teams and organizations to steer toward sustainable development and drive meaningful change.
6. Impulses for research and practice
   • By submitting research papers and practice-based contributions, new insights are generated, documented, and later shared.
   • Researchers, practitioners, and those interested benefit from concrete case studies and theoretical frameworks presented in workshops or talks.
   • This creates a knowledge pool that remains valuable after the congress and can spark further projects.
7. Inspiring environment for holistic learning
   • Historic venues (the cathedral, castle) and scenic views of the surrounding mountains provide a unique backdrop for hands-on, experiential learning.
   • Outdoor classrooms and breaks in nature enhance the sense of community and stimulate creative thinking and collaboration.
8. Long-term benefits for participants and the region
   • Participants leave with new contacts, enhanced competencies for action, and fresh inspiration for their sustainability initiatives.
   • The region itself benefits from increased visibility and new ideas arising from the congress (e.g., follow-up projects, international attention).
   • Joint action, shared responsibility, and collective learning become standard practice.