Chemnitz, November 2025 – The United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES), in cooperation with the City of Chemnitz and the Carlowitz-Gesellschaft e.V., is pleased to announce the opening of the award-winning photo exhibition “Sustainability Stories” at Stadtwirtschaft Chemnitz from 4 to 30 November 2025. The exhibition is presented as a side event of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 and marks the final stop of the Sustainability Stories tour across Saxony.
Through powerful photography and human-centred storytelling, Sustainability Stories takes visitors on a visual journey around the world to explore how communities are tackling the challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and social transformation. The exhibition highlights that sustainability is both a global responsibility and a local reality – a story of innovation, resilience, and hope.
The Chemnitz edition is realised with the generous support of the Carlowitz-Gesellschaft e.V., whose engagement underscores the city’s deep historical connection to the roots of sustainable thinking. Honouring the legacy of Hans Carl von Carlowitz, the association promotes the concept of “Nachhaltigkeit” (“sustainability”) as a guiding principle for future generations.
It is well known that pictures say more than words, because even through interpretation alone, they encourage exchange. We are extremely pleased that, together with the Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Gesellschaft e. V., we have succeeded in bringing this exhibition to Chemnitz and stimulating discussion. Acting locally and thus having a global impact begins at home,
says Mayor Ralph Burghart.
Recognised with the eku Zukunftspreis Sachsen, the exhibition contributes to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) by integrating art, science, and community learning. It invites visitors – including families, schools, and educators – to discover the interconnections between water, soil, waste, energy, and other resources through the lens of the Resource Nexus.
“Every photograph captures a lesson in sustainability – not only about the environment but about human ingenuity, culture, and hope,” says Prof. Edeltraud Guenther, Director of UNU-FLORES. “By linking global and local stories, we encourage reflection and dialogue that can drive meaningful change.”
A finissage event on 30 November 2025 will celebrate the closing of the exhibition’s Saxony tour. The event will feature remarks by Prof. Edeltraud Guenther (Director, UNU-FLORES), the Chemnitz Mayor Ralph Burghart, and Dr. oec. habil. Dieter Füsslein (Chairman, Carlowitz-Gesellschaft e.V.), reflecting on how science, culture, and civic engagement can jointly inspire a more sustainable future.
Exhibition Details
Venue: Stadtwirtschaft Chemnitz, Jakobstraße 46, 09130 Chemnitz
Dates: 4–30 November 2025
Regular opening hours:
Every Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Every Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Every Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Special opening hours:
Thursday, 27 November, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Finissage: 30 November 2025, 11 a.m.
Entry to the exhibition is free of charge.
Contact:
Atiqah Fairuz Salleh, Advisor Strategic Initiatives (b.m.salleh@unu.edu)
About the Project
“Sustainability Stories 2.0 – A World Tour Through Stories of Sustainability” is an educational photo exhibition by UNU-FLORES and the Technische Sammlungen Dresden that brings global sustainability challenges closer to home through storytelling and photography. The project promotes Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) by engaging schools, universities, and local communities in dialogue about the interconnectedness of people and planet. It has been recognised with the eku Zukunftspreis of the Free State of Saxony for its contribution to sustainability education. go.unu.edu/GHlfU
About UNU-FLORES
The United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES), based in Dresden, Germany, advances research, education, and capacity development on the sustainable management of environmental resources. Through the Resource Nexus approach, UNU-FLORES supports the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fosters dialogue between science, policy, and society. flores.unu.edu
