In the virtual world, we are connected ever more closely, sharing interests with people from different countries. In real life, however, we become increasingly distant from those who perhaps live just around the corner. What can we do to prevent loneliness, isolation, and social division? Through its Sustainable Development Goal #11, “Sustainable Cities and Communities,” the United Nations calls for a more inclusive society. In Germany, the digital platform nebenan.de and its foundation are among the organizations working to promote neighborliness and community building.
As part of the Berliner Stiftungswoche, the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt and Sebastian Gallander want to discuss ways of living together in the future. Sebastian Gallander is head of the nebenan.de Foundation and a member of the global BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders Network.