Michael Otto Foundation

Michael Otto Foundation's most significant project is undoubtedly its support for the International Sustainability Conference HSC. Its inaugural conference was held in Hamburg in October 2024. Dr. Michael Otto and his foundation were among the main initiators of this event, which was attended by 1,600 participants from 102 countries around the world and was held for two days at Hamburg’s City Hall and its Chamber of Commerce. The HSC marks the start of regular dialog and biannual exchange between representatives from politics, business, science, sustainability organizations and civil society. The key question facing the event is whether, and how, the global community can meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also focuses on tackling global inequality and climate change. At the inaugural conference, 20 percent of participants came from the global south, including an unusually large number of heads of state such as Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba. A non-profit organization, the HSC is supported by the United Nations (UNDP), the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the City of Hamburg and the Michael Otto Foundation.

In his welcoming speech, Michael Otto called for an end to conferences centered on talk. At the HSC, he said, they wanted to – indeed, had to – “finally get down to business”. However, as a representative of business and as a donor, he made it clear that companies can and must play a completely different role in tackling major challenges facing mankind. Companies often stand in the way of resolving problems, although they often hold the key to the solution. “Companies often offer solutions on how to achieve SDGs. They have everything needed to become part of the solution heading towards sustainable development. Their transformation competence is based on creativity and ingenuity, experience and human and financial resources. They are agile, can be first-movers, can try things out and show what can work and how.” However, he called on politicians to set the right framework conditions. He is looking to science and research to develop innovative ideas and for civil society to gain the acceptance of its citizens when it comes to climate protection. “Only through this dialog can concepts emerge that have real breakthrough potential.”