On August 27 and 28, Antananarivo hosted the second edition of the interregional symposium on "Substantive Democracy, Governance of Living Systems and Sustainability in the Indian Ocean Islands." Initiated by the Indian Ocean Laboratory of the Foundation for Innovation in Democracy, the event brought together an impressive array of academics, researchers, policymakers and civil society representatives from the region. Supported notably by MESUPRES, IRD, CNRE and UCM, this gathering has established itself as an essential platform. Five roundtables addressed crucial issues including extractivism, water management and environmental citizenship. A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of work by young participants from Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles and Mauritius. From August 24 to 26, they had participated in an intensive seminar at AUF Ankatso focused on critical thinking and environmental law. As Dr Randianina Radilofe, coordinator of the structure, emphasized, this gathering aimed to create synergy between scientific research and public decision-making. The Foundation reiterated that it does not engage in politics, but acts as a catalyst for new ideas to build sustainable solutions for the benefit of regional populations.