On the 5th and 6th September 2024, we reached a new milestone – we hosted our first-ever two-day academic workshop at SPACE4. It was a unique gathering of researchers, activists, and professionals to discuss our democratic systems in the face of the climate emergency. It was a thrill to not only dive into such weighty topics but also to create an environment that encouraged deep, meaningful conversations— the kind of chats we think SPACE4’s is perfect for.

Day one kicked off with insightful panels. There’s so much research being done on how to align democratic processes with the climate movement, and it was eye-opening to be part of those conversations.

  • We explored the successes and challenges of democratic structures and the urgency to adapt. Exceptional speakers helped frame the current democratic landscape and provided thought-provoking insights into the structural changes needed.
  • We dug into the pros and cons of citizens assemblies. Having heard so much about them, it was great to finally see an in-depth analysis of what works, what doesn’t, and where there’s room for improvement.
  • A standout for me was also the economic planning panel. I had to brush up on a few terms, but once I got the hang of the technical language, it was fascinating to engage with emerging conversations around democratic planning for the green transition.

The second day was a hands-on experience, and I loved every minute. We simulated a citizens assembly and got involved in participatory budgeting – a practice I’d heard about but never had the chance to fully explore. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn, especially knowing that Assemble, who facilitated the session, are also running Jeremy Corbyn’s People’s Forums right here in our borough! The practical aspect of the day was energising, and the room was buzzing.

As always, the intimacy of SPACE4 created that ‘kitchen chat’ vibe, where the most valuable conversations happened in all the inbetween small spaces. Our audience’s participation was incredibly insightful, sparking new ideas and pushing the debate further.

And of course, no event at SPACE4 would be complete without fantastic food and Finsbury Park always delivers with the best independent options. Gadz Cafe kept us fuelled with their amazing spreads and we indulged in brilliant dinners at Mukkebi and pizzas from Pappagone’s around the corner—pure culinary joy!

A massive thank you to everyone who contributed and attended. James Muldoon from Autonomy and the University of Essex was a dream to work with. I walked away having learned so much, and I’m excited to carry these insights into future conversations at Outlandish and SPACE4.

Photographs by Maddy Neghabian