As part of the Sustainable Development Strategy process, a conference entitled "Dialogue for the National Sustainable Development Strategy: How could its environmental profile be strengthened?" was held on 18-19 March 2004. By means of this conference, the German Federal Environment Ministry engaged stakeholders in a dialogue to reflect on achievements and to come up with proposals for the further development of the strategy.

Ecologic Institute conceptually prepared the conference and wrote the final report. Six topics of cross-sectional interest were chosen and guidelines for discussions developed. The chosen topics aimed at strengthening the environmental dimension of the strategy and to create new constellations of dialogue between stakeholders. The German government is currently preparing its first progress report on the National Sustainable Development Strategy, which is accompanied by a societal consultation process.