The global economy relies on raw materials such as oil, minerals, and agricultural products. But less visible resources like knowledge and labor are also in demand to satisfy the ever-increasing demand in wealthy countries like Germany. The exhibition "Poor Despite Wealth," on display until mid-December in front of Friedberg Town Hall and in front of Building B1 of the THM Technical University of Central Hesse), explores this tension.
The interactive exhibition, consisting of seven exhibits, shows where the resources we consume daily come from and under what conditions they are produced. It focuses on the realities of the lives of the people at whose expense our consumer-driven lifestyle is possible and offers food for thought on how everyone can contribute to greater global justice.
“I think it’s great that we’re addressing this current issue – and right in front of the town hall,” said Friedberg’s mayor, Kjetil Dahlhaus, at the opening. He added that the location was ideal because many different people pass by it every day. He also thanked THM Applied Sciences for its close collaboration. Prof. Dirk Metzger, THMVice President for Strategic Construction Planning and Sustainability, also described the exhibition’s theme as “existential”: “Those who possess formal wealth often benefit the least from it – a dilemma that the exhibition vividly illustrates.”
The exhibition addresses the struggles for land, human rights, and dignified living conditions that accompany the extraction and processing of raw materials, as well as questions of global resource justice. With many movable elements – such as peepholes, flaps, guessing games, puzzles, and interactive maps – the exhibits invite visitors to engage with the topics in a playful way.
“It is important to raise awareness of this issue – among university staff, students, and school pupils,” emphasized Prof. Holger Rohn, sustainability officer at THM and member of the organizing team. In this context, he also referred to the lecture series “Responsibility for the Future,” which, starting on November 5th, will also address topics such as resource consumption and the common good economy.
Behind the traveling exhibition, which has also been shown on the Giessen campus, is the association Motivé, which is committed to global justice, sustainability and a more conscious use of resources through educational projects and creative formats.
Until mid-December, those interested can learn about topics related to resource justice both at the Friedberg campus on Wilhelm-Leuschner-Straße in front of building B1 and on the green space in front of the town hall. All seven information panels are open to the public.
