The conference for DIE alumni (former postgraduates and staff members) took place under the heading "Challenges and Solutions: The 2030 Agenda as an Imperative for a Sustainable Future" at the German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik on 9th September. Dirk Messner, Director of the DIE, and Melissa Leach, Director of the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex (UK), opened the event with two plenary contributions. The following dialogue also included the audience. This opening session was followed by 11 topic talks offered by research focus groups of DIE. A “three generations panel” with alumni of different age groups (30s, 40s and 50s) critically evaluated and summarized the talks. The event will be rounded up with a garden party to which family and friends were cordially invited to.