Topics – International Round Table

Democratic culture of remembrance – How can it be actively lived and shaped?
Multi-perspective – A necessary challenge for social peace and cohesion
European freedom revolutions 1989/90 – How are they remembered today and how up-to-date are their demands?

Growing global wealth disparity – The wealth of the countries of the global North is growing on the backs of the countries of the global South
Increasing privatisation of basic supply – Housing and land, water and food as well as health must not be speculative goods!
A good life for all! – What can an economy of solidarity look like and how can it be shaped by civil society?

Climate change and environmental degradation – Long-term damage to nature, habitats, and health and what we can do about it
Economic growth at any price? – Politics, economics, and consumerism as the cause of the climate crisis
The future belongs to us! – How can we shape the future in a global, just and ecological way?

For whom do parliaments vote? – Lobbyism, corruption and business interests as a danger to democracy?
Power and self-enrichment – Corruption, fraud, and nepotism in the awarding of major public contracts and basic supplies
Strengthen society! – How can citizens voice their demands more effectively, even against corporate interests?

Rising populism and nationalism – How can we prevent populists and nationalists from gaining more influence and further dividing society?
Coping with crises democratically – How can we deal with crises democratically? What qualities do resilient democracies need?
Democracy for all! – What changes are needed, to dismantle structural barriers and enable political participation for all?

Political conformity and persecution – Difficulties for independent and investigative journalism in totalitarian states
Media: the enemy – Effects of increasing right-wing pressure, populism, and conspiracy theories on the media
Social Media and the Attention Economy – High-reach fake news as a challenge for journalism and democracy

A long way to equality – Violence against women*; everyday sexism; lack of the right to corporal self-determination, under-representation in offices, professions, and politics as well as unequal distribution of care work as persistent problems
Situation of LGBTIQA* – Empowerment, recognition, and visibility in the face of persecution, violence, and discrimination as well as unequal treatment by the state
Feminism on the rise – Achievements through international and intersectional solidarity, struggles, and movements

European responsibility!? – Border fortification and inhumane camps at the external borders; Frontex, illegal push-backs and so-called “refugee agreements” with third countries
Lack of alternatives – From lack of future prospects at the place of origin to exploitation of labour and lack of rights as a migrant
The answer: solidarity! – Fight the causes of flight together! For the right to freedom of movement and asylum!

Activists = enemies of the state?! – Surveillance and repression as a state tool against political and social activism as well as democratic, extra-parliamentary opposition
Life in totalitarianism – Limited human rights situation in dictatorial regimes
Freedom vs. security? – Expansion, digitalisation, and militarisation of police and surveillance apparatuses to the detriment of human rights and freedoms

How to intervene? – Peace work and mediation between parties to a conflict in existing crises and wars
A complicated and lengthy task – Social stabilisation and reconciliation in former crisis regions
Violence against minorities – Racism, hate crime and persecution of minorities as a global problem