Right Livelihood celebrates the launch of The Real Economy, a new platform dedicated to rethinking the foundations of our global economic system. The launch took place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Right Livelihood’s office in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Real Economy was co-founded by Right Livelihood Laureate Helena Norberg-Hodge, a leading expert on the impacts of economic globalisation, alongside lawyer and political scientist Fatima Osam Abdalla and Swedish actor and activist Gustaf Skarsgård. The platform challenges the global economy’s prioritisation of uninhibited growth at the expense of people and the planet.
At the heart of the initiative is the belief that a more peaceful and just world requires a shift toward local and regional economies. The Real Economy plans to highlight existing alternatives, inspire new thinking and help envision an economic future grounded in interdependence, ecological awareness and wellbeing.
“We need to get a message out to people that says, ‘Wouldn’t you rather your taxes subsidise for your own needs, for your region, for your country, rather than laying out the red carpet for global corporations?’” said Norberg-Hodge at the launch event.
The evening brought together guests for presentations and conversation at Right Livelihood’s Stockholm office. Norberg-Hodge, who lives in Australia and was visiting Sweden for the occasion, delivered a keynote address outlining the platform’s vision. Attendees had the opportunity to meet the founding team and engage directly with the ideas driving the initiative.
The Real Economy joins a growing global movement of Right Livelihood Laureates and communities working to demonstrate that another economic logic is not only possible, but already underway.
