What does politics look like when it’s rooted in inner development, deep listening, and systemic thinking?
In this track, you’ll meet practitioners who are weaving together integral theory, metamodern thinking, leadership development, and real-world activism to co-create a new political culture in Europe and beyond.
At IEC 2025, a visionary group of European political innovators comes together to explore exactly that. Under the banner Integral Politics in Action, they will share tools, frameworks, and stories that bring wholeness, wisdom, and coherence into the way we do politics.
May 31, Saturday 11:30 – 13:30 This section is a joint reflection and deepening space for the presentations by Dr. Elke Fein and Prof. Dr. Karen O’Brien, as well as the workshop by Mercedes Andany & team from Integral Politics Switzerland.
Elke Fein – Germany
A political scientist and founder of the School for Integral Politics, Elke brings years of experience from the EU-funded LiFT project, which explored leadership for systemic transformation. At IEC, she will offer sessions on navigating polarities in politics, integrating Deep Democracy, and applying Spiral Dynamics to collective challenges. Her work invites us into a more developmental, conscious, and holistic approach to political engagement.
A climate scientist and expert on societal transformation, Karen explores the deep interconnection between personal change and global systems change. At IEC, she’ll speak on how inner development is key to responding to the climate crisis—and how integral politics can shift not just policies, but paradigms.
With a background in public policy and civic leadership, François brings a grounded perspective to integral governance. His contribution focuses on translating big-picture thinking into local action—bridging ideals with implementation, and showing how integral approaches can shape practical, inclusive policy.
A facilitator and activist working at the intersection of feminine leadership and social transformation, Aïma brings a soulful and embodied dimension to political innovation. She emphasizes the importance of inclusion, deep listening, and collective wisdom as foundations for any future-fit political culture.
Representing a new generation of thinkers, Simon blends metamodern philosophy with fresh perspectives on activism and societal change. His work speaks to young people’s longing for purpose and coherence, offering ways to engage politically without losing one’s depth or ideals.
In this keynote session, Said Elias Dawlabani, a leading human evolution theorist and author of MEMEnomics, will explore the profound shifts reshaping our global landscape. Through the lens of Spiral Dynamics, Dawlabani examines the decline of Western liberal democracies, transformative changes in the Middle East, and the escalating climate crisis. He introduces the concept of “The Great Obsolescence,” highlighting how outdated value systems contribute to current geopolitical and ecological challenges. This presentation offers a developmental perspective on these complex issues, inviting participants to consider new paradigms for navigating our collective future.
Together, this group offers a rich, multidimensional exploration of integral politics in action—not as an abstract theory, but as a lived, evolving practice that invites us all to participate.
