No trust, no action? - Pathways to Critical Trust Building

Trust is the foundation of all human connections and a key pillar for societal action and democratic participation. Contrary to common belief, trust doesn’t lead to naivety or passivity; it fosters prosocial behavior, cooperation, and the willingness to change.

But how does critical trust develop—trust that is neither blind nor destructive? How do societal conditions, individual behaviors, and psychological processes work together to either build or undermine trust? What role does the fear for the future of our planet play in the loss of self-trust and institutional confidence?

This conversation focuses on the conditions necessary for trust and the challenges of its development. Mazda Adli, psychiatrist and urban stress research expert, will explore the role of social tensions in urban environments. Lea Dohm, psychologist and activist, will share insights from climate communication and collective transformational work. Emina Saric, an expert in integration and gender issues, will demonstrate how patriarchal structures hinder trust and complicate social cooperation. Moderated by Irina Nalis, a transformation psychologist, this discussion will explore how trust in ourselves and effective collaboration can be renewed.