vdk bank inspireert
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Thu 20.1119:30 - 21:30De Vooruit, GentTHEATERZAAL
Tickets Volwassenen € 5,00
Populists are gaining ground all over the world. Political distrust and social polarization are on the rise. Social media (and the economic motivations behind it) are making public debate more heated, more emotional and increasingly fragmented. At the same time, our economic system is being challenged by artificial intelligence and governments' investment opportunities are diminishing due to the choice to increase military spending.
The question arises: can the foundations of our society continue to bear these tensions? Modern democracy and the welfare state, two proud achievements of the last century, are reaching the limits of their legitimacy.
So, it is urgent to seek compelling answers.
- • How can we prevent difference from leading to division?
- • How can we restore trust in democracy and its institutions?
- • How can the welfare state be redesigned to combat new forms of inequality?
- • What role do citizens, policymakers, (social) media, entrepreneurs, financiers and civil society organizations play in bridging divisions?
The keynote speech will be given by Philippe Van Parijs, philosopher and economist, affiliated with UCLouvain and KU Leuven. He was a visiting professor at Harvard and Oxford Universities. One of the most influential thinkers on social justice, basic income and language politics. He explores the future of solidarity and democracy in our diverse and globalised world.
The first reflection comes from Alicja Gescinska, philosopher, writer and columnist. She is a proponent of freedom. Last year, she wrote the essay “Illiberal Seduction”, a strong plea for the rule of law and liberal democracy and how we can save them.
Together, they will engage in a panel discussion with Geert Noels, chief economist and CEO of asset manager Econopolis and author of “Econoshock” and “Gigantism”, among other works. A sharp analyst of our economic and financial system, and with Julie Hendrickx Devos, chair of beweging.net, the largest employee and civil society organisation in our country. She is committed to a society that leaves no one behind.
Moderator: Wouter Van Besien, coordinator of sustainable and ethical banking at vdk bank.
The delightful music to round off the evening is provided by Steven De Bruyn and Jasper Hautekiet.
