Ethics Council asks German students: What is the good life?
“The future belongs to young people – yet at the same time, they are excluded from the political decisions that shape that future,” Cornelia Betsch, the Council’s spokesperson for the conference, emphasizes. “We want to know what hopes and fears they have and how the Ethics Council can place greater emphasis on their needs.” “In a world marked by multiple crises and a great deal of uncertainty, we need all ideas on the table,” Helmut Frister, Chair of the German Ethics Council, adds. “It’s not enough to just talk about young people; we also want to talk with them.”
Back in autumn 2025, the Council had called on young people in what were then Years 8 and 9 to take part in the interactive campaign “Your ideas of a good life – what counts, who counts and who pays what?”. Several hundred students across Germany responded by submitting their creative ideas on the topic. Twelve classes were ultimately selected to present their contributions in Leipzig and engage in discussion with the Council members.
“From short films, poetry slams, artwork and songs to thought experiments – the variety and creativity of the pieces are impressive,” Jutta Allmendinger, the Council’s deputy spokesperson for the conference, says. In terms of content, contributions range from the effect of AI on life satisfaction, through schools of the future, performance pressure and gender equality, to the matter of responsibility for others. “A big thank you already to all the young people who have contributed so enthusiastically and who will be joining us in Leipzig,” Allmendinger adds. “We look forward to seeing you there!”
Programme
The day begins with a music performance by HAVET (formerly Mimi & Josy). Following the presentation and recognition of the students’ contributions, they will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with individual Council members under the theme “Students advise the Ethics Council”. Finally, the young people will discuss ethical issues raised in their contributions together with TV presenter Nadine Hadad and several Council members.
Public and non-public sessions
The event will be livestreamed from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the German Ethics Council’s website (www.ethikrat.org/live). During this time, members of the press are warmly invited to attend the conference in person in Leipzig. Following the morning programme, interviews with young people, Council members or presenter Nadine Hadad can be conducted during the lunch break until 1:30 p.m.
Students who have the necessary declaration of consent can be identified by the red dot on their name badge. Please ensure that you only approach these young people for individual portraits and interviews. All other participants may only appear in general conference footage.
To ensure a safe environment, the afternoon session is closed to the press. No audience other than the students and their teachers will be attending the event in person, held in German.
Autumn conference of the German Ethics Council
“Meet the Ethics Council! Your Ideas of Good Life”
When: 11 November 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
(Break: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
Where: University of Leipzig, Paulinum, Augustusplatz 10, 04109 Leipzig
and online at www.ethikrat.org/live
Programme: www.ethikrat.org/veranstaltungen/tagungen/eure-vorstellungen-vom-guten-leben
Participating schools and institutions
- Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Gymnasium, Filderstadt
- Johann-Gottfried-Herder-Gymnasium, Berlin-Lichtenberg (three courses)
- Johanna-Moosdorf-Schule, Leipzig
- Kinder- und Jugendhaus BOLLE, Berlin-Marzahn
- Königin-Luise-Gymnasium, Erfurt
- Kosmos-Schule, Berlin-Lichtenberg
- Lyonel-Feininger-Gymnasium, Halle (Saale)
- Otto-Kühne-Schule Godesberg, Bonn
- Rosa-Luxemburg-Gymnasium, Berlin-Pankow
- Ursulaschule, Osnabrück