Against a backdrop of ecological, economic, and demographic upheavals, this question has become unavoidable. But can we truly change our model without sacrificing our quality of life? And above all, how can we distinguish between what is essential and what is superfluous?
To kick off the discussion, the city of Geneva is hosting Cécile Désaunay, director of studies at Futuribles— an independent organization specializing in foresight—as part of Climate Week. For the past 15 years, she has been analyzing changes in society, lifestyles, and consumption patterns, and has been assisting public and private organizations in their reflections on possible futures.
In his latest book, The Society of Needs: How Do We Move from the Superfluous to the Sufficient? (Éditions Alternatives, 2025), she explores an idea that is as simple as it is radical: What if we moved from a society based on accumulation to one more focused on meeting needs?
Cécile Désaunay invites us to examine our habits, our aspirations, and the economic models that shape our lives.
- What do we really need to live well?
- Can we live better by consuming less?
- What might a “sufficient” society look like?
These are all questions that will be at the heart of this conference, followed by a roundtable discussion with:
- Chantal Peyer (co-founder of the Hub des possibles)
- Quentin Ladetto (Head of the “Technology Foresight” research program at armasuisse Science and Technology).
- Moderated by Aristide Athanassiadis (expert in urban metabolism and sustainability).
A gathering to take a step back, broaden our horizons, and imagine together the lifestyles of tomorrow.
To view the full Climate Week program and for more details: Climate Week website