Interactive Workshop: Social Simulation on Planned Relocation

When:
20 October 2026, 14:00 to 18:00

Where:
Munich University of Applied Science (Karlstraße 6, 80333 Munich, Room 401)

Who:
20 participants (by invitation; if interested, please send a message to: info@munichre-foundation.org)

Around the world, communities are increasingly confronted with climate impacts so severe that staying in place may no longer be safe. Planned relocation – moving parts of or entire communities to safer ground – is complex, emotional, and often contentious. It is not simply a matter of building houses in another location. It means rebuilding livelihoods, identity, community structures, and cultural meaning.

The social simulation responds to a critical gap: while policymakers are expected to make relocation decisions, few have ever experienced the negotiations, uncertainties, and trade-offs involved. The result in real life can be poorly designed relocations with negative outcomes for communities.

To support better decisions and more people-centred approaches, the Planned Relocation Simulation translates this complexity into an engaging, hands-on learning experience. It is designed for training and capacity-building: instead of offering a step-by-step blueprint, it lets participants explore competing priorities, trade-offs and decision-making dynamics. Through immersive roleplay, participants take on the perspectives of community members, local and national authorities, funders, and technical experts. They negotiate, face climate-related risks, and make difficult decisions – often under time pressure and with unequal access to information, just like in real life.

Our target group for the workshop: anyone interested in climate change and its impacts who would like to gain practical insights. The workshop lasts four hours, and we are looking for a group of engaged participants who are willing to take part actively, immerse themselves in their roles, and represent different interests. No specific prior knowledge is required. English language skills are required. Participation is limited to 20 people. If you are interested, please send us a message with a brief motivation explaining why you would like to take part: info@munichre-foundation.org. We will not be able to accept all requests.

Language: Depending on the participant group, we will conduct the event in German (if only German-speaking participants attend) or in English. The information materials and simulation cards are all available in English.

Dr. Ann-Christine Link
Research Manager, UNU-EHS, Bonn

Prof. Thomas Ackermann
Dean of Studies, Munich University of Applied Sciences

Christian Barthelt
Senior Projectmanager, Munich Re Foundation