The Festival of Debate, the UK’s largest non-partisan politics festival, returns to Sheffield from 22 April to 30 May 2025, featuring over 50 events that explore pressing social and political issues. As reported by ShefNews, this year’s lineup includes community leaders and groups, alongside prominent thinkers and innovators, addressing topics ranging from climate change to democratic challenges.
Doughnut Economics with Kate Raworth
Kate Raworth, the pioneering economist behind “Doughnut Economics,” will be a featured speaker at the 2025 Festival of Debate in Sheffield. On April 25, 2025, Raworth will engage in a conversation with systems change practitioner Indy Johar, exploring the complex economic, social, and environmental challenges facing society. The event will focus on Raworth’s innovative “Doughnut” model, which reimagines economic progress within planetary boundaries and social foundations.
Raworth’s Doughnut Economics framework offers a visual representation of sustainable development, combining ecological ceilings with social foundations to create a “safe and just space for humanity”. This model has gained international attention and has been applied to assess socio-environmental performance in various locations worldwide. The conversation at the Festival of Debate will delve into how this framework can be used to navigate complex decision-making and foster meaningful dialogue about our collective future.
Degrowth Perspectives by Jason Hickel
Jason Hickel, a prominent economic anthropologist and leading degrowth researcher, will present his perspectives on degrowth at the 2025 Festival of Debate in Sheffield. Hickel defines degrowth as “a planned reduction of energy and resource use designed to bring the economy back into balance with the living world in a way that reduces inequality and improves human wellbeing”. His talk will focus on how degrowth offers a radical alternative to the current economic paradigm, challenging the notion of infinite growth on a finite planet.
Hickel argues that degrowth is not about austerity, but rather about creating a more equitable and sustainable economy. He proposes policies such as shortening the work week, providing universal basic services, and redistributing income. Hickel emphasizes that degrowth primarily applies to high-income countries that exceed their fair share of planetary boundaries, while allowing for necessary growth in poorer nations to meet human needs. His presentation will explore how degrowth can potentially address both ecological crises and social inequalities, offering a vision for a post-growth economy that prioritizes human and planetary well-being over GDP growth.
Rejuvenating Northern England Panel
The Festival of Debate 2025 will feature a panel discussion on rejuvenating Northern England, with prominent figures Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram sharing their insights. This session will explore strategies for economic recovery and “levelling up” in the North, addressing issues such as infrastructure development, cultural investment, and sustainable growth.
Key topics likely to be discussed include:
- The creation of a “nature positive” regional economy in Northern England
- Initiatives to support and encourage young people’s creativity and cultural job opportunities post-Covid
- Strategies for fair distribution of cultural funding across Northern communities
- The role of heritage and archaeology in building resilience and self-determination among vulnerable youth, as demonstrated by projects like “Rejuvenate” in Kent
- Developing a cohesive brand for the North to promote its world-class reputation in culture and innovation
The panel aims to generate actionable ideas for fostering economic growth, cultural vibrancy, and social equity across Northern England.
Best Western Sheffield City Hotel is a stylish, modern hotel located in the heart of Sheffield, just a short distance from key event venues, including those hosting the Festival of Debate. The hotel is perfect for both business and leisure travelers, offering a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
