The Planet Local Summit, held early September, marked 50 years since Helena Norberg-Hodge’s first visit to Ladakh and the beginnings of Local Futures on the Tibetan Plateau.
A dynamic blend of inspiration, hands-on learning, and cultural immersion, this unique gathering brought together thinkers, change-makers and concerned citizens from every continent.
We explored a shared vision for a healthier, more localized world. It was a rare opportunity to learn from Ladakh's ancient wisdom, connect with like-minded individuals, and take part in meaningful discussions about reshaping our global future. Visit our Summit website for information, photos, and videos:
Programme included:
● Welcome Day in Leh, Ladakh’s capital – everyone gathers for the official opening, immersing in inspiring short talks and dynamic small-group discussions.
● Workshops and Field Trips – Dive into hands-on activities like traditional earth-building and basket weaving, and explore Ladakh’s rich cultural and ecological landscape.
● Lively Group Discussions – Connect with fellow participants in thought-provoking dialogues and creative brainstorming on localization and systemic change.
● A Space to Connect and Unwind – Relax, network and exchange ideas in our dedicated meeting area, throughout the summit.
● Closing Celebration – Wrap up with more inspiring talks, music and dance, celebrating community and collaboration.
These full-day field trips will take you to a Ladakhi village, where you’ll hear directly from elders about the pillars of traditional culture, the impacts of modernisation, and efforts to preserve ancient knowledge and practices.
These sessions are focused on increasing our collective understanding of the root causes of today's crises, coupled with future oriented thinking and planning. We will expose greenwashing, discuss strategies for change, and share positive initiatives from around the world.
Topics include:
● Resource management: thriving in a high-altitude desert
● Parenting, and the roles of women and the elderly
● Governance, reciprocity and peacebuilding
● Mental and physical health
● Spirituality in 21st century
● The role of business and philanthropy
● Education for the world we want
● Ecology, wildlife and rewilding
● Ancient technologies: watermills, eco-houses, and compost toilets
● Parenting, and the roles of women and the elderly
● Tackling pollution and poverty simultaneously
● The future of food
● Technology, economy and AI
● Feminine futures
● Buddhism, traditional medicine, astrology and shamanism
There is an invasion of more than 500,000 tourists annually in Ladakh. Their impact is not only environmental, but they support images in media and advertising which romanticise the global consumer culture. The summit will provide a chance for visitors to counter the myths of ‘progress’, which destroy cultural self-worth and make rural people feel backward and stupid in places like Ladakh.
We know that travel to Ladakh can raise concerns about individual carbon footprints. However, the crises we face—climate breakdown, social disintegration, economic inequality—are not the result of isolated individual choices but of a global economic system that prioritises corporate profit over community wellbeing. The Summit will provide opportunities to strengthen movements for systemic change globally.
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Watch the award-winning film by Helena Norberg-Hodge, a moving portrait of tradition and change in Ladakh.
