#17 04/2026
Jule Neumann
Vice-President at oikos International
| _ |
"Change does not begin with perfection, but with the courage to take the first step." |
Mario Diethart (MD) You have just been appointed to the COPERNICUS Alliance Advisory Board, representing a strong student voice as Vice-President of oikos International. With a background in Business Management and Environmental System Sciences, what motivates your engagement in sustainability and in these roles in particular?
Jule Neumann (JN) My motivation for engaging in sustainability is deeply rooted in the belief that nature is our greatest gift and teacher. It shows us resilience, regeneration and balance – the quiet strength to recover, adapt, and thrive. At the same time, each of us is a role model, and how we act within this ecosystem holds significant influence. I know from experience that sometimes a single supportive voice can shift someone’s direction entirely. That awareness shapes how I show up in the spaces I’m part of.
Within oikos International, I’ve experienced how empathy, understanding, and taking responsibility can feel like acts of quiet rebellion – exactly what our world needs. Being surrounded by like-minded, purpose-driven individuals creates a space where ideas can grow, initiatives are co-created and people genuinely support one another. It reminds me that we are not alone in working toward a more sustainable future – and that shared sense of purpose motivates me every day.
In my role as Co-President of a student-led global organization, I see the opportunity to amplify youth perspectives and create pathways for meaningful change. I can help open new conversations, challenge existing perspectives, and encourage students to explore careers aligned with their values. More importantly, I aim to empower others to step into their potential and actively shape the systems they are part of.
Joining the COPERNICUS Alliance Advisory Board feels like a natural extension of this commitment. It allows me to bring in a strong student voice, to take a seat at the table, and to actively contribute to shaping the future of education. I am particularly motivated to support a transformation that is participatory and aligned with the visions and ideas of youth – as it should be. I am driven by the potential to bridge disciplines, inspire collaboration, and ensure that the next generation is not only prepared for the future, but actively participating in shaping it.
MD Being an oikos Alumni myself, I can relate to the experiences you describe. I think we both agree that education is key to achieving sustainable development and that young people need to take on an active role – and be given the opportunity to do so. From a student perspective, do you feel sustainability is sufficiently integrated into university curricula, or is it still more of a niche topic?
JN I think sustainability is still often treated as an add-on rather than something truly embedded in education. It is frequently approached through surface-level topics like recycling or CSR, without addressing the deeper root causes needed to achieve true sustainability – or even better, regeneration. Instead of only asking how we manage waste better, we should ask how we consume less and design systems that require less extraction in the first place. The same applies to business education – talking about ESG and CSR is important, but if we do not challenge the fundamental logic of how our economy currently works, we remain on the surface rather than creating real transformation.
MD What would you change in the academic system to accelerate the transformation toward greater sustainability? Do you consider a top-down or a bottom-up approach more promising?
JN I believe it needs both – a top-down and a bottom-up approach. Universities need to open the doors to fresh perspectives and rethink not only what they teach, but also how they teach. They are preparing future generations, yet often without questioning their own narratives, which limits students’ ability to challenge old systems or imagine alternatives. Critical thinking and meaningful discussion are shaped in the classroom, but for that to happen, the opportunity and the right context must be intentionally created.
At the same time, students are a crucial part of the equation. Their willingness to actively participate in society and contribute to building a different future is where real transformation begins. Universities should not only be places to absorb existing knowledge, but future labs where creative minds and systems thinkers come together to challenge, co-create, and lead change.
MD In times of crisis and geopolitical tensions, many people focus on managing their everyday lives rather than engaging with complex sustainability issues. How can we move sustainability beyond academic and activist “bubbles” and anchor it in the everyday realities of a wider society?
JN My understanding is that people are overwhelmed – by the amount of information, their own worries, and the difficult realities we see in the news every day. It is understandable that many do not feel ready to engage with yet another major crisis. At the same time, we need to make sustainability more accessible by allowing different perspectives at the table and helping people connect their everyday challenges with the broader issue of sustainability.
If sustainability feels relatable and even exciting – something people want to engage with rather than something distant or exclusive – it becomes much more powerful. It often feels like we have created the wrong image of what an “ideal” life looks like, separating it from what a sustainable life could be. Sustainability is often framed as sacrifice or limitation, when in reality it can mean a better quality of life.
In a way, we need to make sustainability “sexy” again: showing that the ideal life is actually one built on equality, safety, strong communities and a deep connection to nature and the people around us. When people feel that sustainability improves their daily lives, it moves beyond an academic or activist bubble and becomes part of everyday reality.
MD As you noted at the start of our conversation, each of us can be a role model – and you certainly are! Drawing on the oikos motto “be informed, get involved, make a difference,” what concrete advice would you give to young people who want to create real impact?
JN I am convinced young people are most powerful when they allow themselves to be brave enough to simply try. I know there are big visions and ideas, but they are often dimmed by society, education or our environment. Following your values and trusting your own perspective is incredibly important. Speak about your ideas with people who believe in you and who encourage growth rather than be guided by fear.
At the same time, listen to those who have already created transformation in the fields you want to enter. Learn from their experiences, ask questions, and stay curious. Real impact often starts with small actions – choosing studies and work that align with your values, getting involved in communities, volunteering, activism, or creating your own circle of change. It also means becoming a role model yourself, encouraging others to rethink small habits and everyday choices. Change does not begin with perfection, but with the courage to take the first step.
MD How can interested students get involved in oikos? Are there any upcoming events that you want to highlight?
JN I love this question because there are many ways to get involved with oikos. Students can start by connecting with a local oikos chapter if there is one – if not, we are opening a programme in September 2026 to co-create new chapters. Anyone interested can send us an email (jule.neumann@oikos-international or my co-lead Patricija:
And funny enough, we just integrated most of our events and those of chapters into luma https://luma.com/oikosworld. Feel free to check it out! And don’t be shy to reach out to us – we don’t bite, we just encourage you to act!
MD Thank you for this conversation!
Contact Jule Neumann:
