Roundtable Debate

European House

In cooperation with DOX Center for Contemporary Art

UNDER (PRESS)URE is a regular series of round table discussions at the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art that hosts journalists and media commentators on current political, economic, and social issues. At this special meeting, there will be a distinguished panel of foreign correspondents to discuss currently pressing issues, concentrating on "post-truth" media, disinformation, and social media.

Discussion

American Center of the U.S. Embassy in Prague

In cooperation D21

Pianos at train stations, neighborly meetings in courtyards, walks with city architects, participatory budgeting... Engagement of locals in the creation of the city’s public spaces is a hot trend. Join the panel discussion about modern approaches to democratic participation and the use of technologies and data! Share best practices with city representatives, architects, and local activists.

Panel

New York University in Prague, Václav Havel Hall

In cooperation with Not a Useful Artist/Cuba Before the Dawn

The potential of ‘artivism’ (engaged art) for influencing public opinion - and inducing political or social change. How to support artists who are critical of totalitarian regimes in their countries, and what is the possibility of including their work in the context of contemporary art? The experience of artivism in Cuba in comparison with artivism in democratic countries. Are there possibilities for mutual support and cooperation?

Panel

Václav Havel Library

In cooperation with Pravý břeh

In some parts of Czech society, positive attitudes toward Russian and Chinese authoritarianism, distrust in standard liberal democracy, and skepticism about traditional politics have become increasingly common. There are attempts to "oligarchize” politics and fuse political, economic, and media power. Could this explosive mixture jeopardize the foundations of Czech democracy? How do we fight it?

Moderator:
Lubomír Kopeček, Political Scientist

Participants:
Stanislav Balík, Political Scientist
Jefim Fištejn, Journalist
Karel Kříž, Economist
Dalibor Balšínek, Editor-In-Chief, Echo24

Panel

Austrian Cultural Forum

In cooperation with EDUin

According to a recent poll, only 57 % of high school students believe that democracy is the best form of government. The next generation of leaders should try to make the world a better place, but why do they not believe that democracy is the ideal route? How do we maintain democracy without these young people? What is the role of education in the development or destruction of democracy?

Participants:
Aleš Kudrnáč, Political Scientist, Institute of Sociology, Czech Academy of Science
Daniel Prokop, Sociologist, Faculty of Social Studies, Charles University
Lenka Štěpánová, Chair, Czech Highschool Union (Česká středoškolská unie)
Bob Kartous, Communications Manager, EDUin

Panel

European House

In cooperation with the Czech-German Youth Forum

How do young people see their futures? Can they already influence it? What impact does technology have on their lives? Where does the current democracy lead? These questions will be discussed in Czech and international contexts with members of the Czech-German Youth Forum.

Panel

European House

In cooperation with DEMAS - Association for Democracy Assistance and Human Rights

Upcoming parliamentary elections are opening space for debate about plans of political parties in the field of Czech foreign and transformation policy. Even though such topics are partly included in the electoral programs, they also require deeper discussion between the public and political party experts--specifically about any plans they have in regards to transformation policy, after they have been elected to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Moderator:
Vít Dostál, Director of the Research Center, Association for Foreign Affairs

Participants:
Karel Schwarzenberg, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs ČR, TOP 09

Jan Zahradil, Member, European Parliament (ODS)
Ivana Dobešová, Deputy, ANO

Panel

Austrian Cultural Forum

In cooperation with SIRIRI

The Central African Republic has experienced political instability and insecurity. Poverty and inter-ethnic conflicts have escalated. The program Learning Through Play combats illiteracy and facilitates new teaching methods. It contributes to better learning, but it also enables schools to experience democracy in practice, thus enabling the next generation to become conscientious and qualified citizens.

Moderator:
Fabrice Martin, Former Journalist, Managing Director, SIRIRI, France

Participants:
Pavel Fischer, Former Diplomat, Managing Director, STEM Foundation, Board Member, SIRIRI, Czech Republic
Jan Korda, Director, Meaningful School in Prague, Co-author, Learning Through Play program, Czech Republic
Marcel Diki-Kidiri, Linguist, UNESCO Expert, Member, Academy for African Languages, France
Jana Závodníková, Instructor, Learning Through Play for Central African Teachers, Czech Republic

Panel

CEVRO Institute

In cooperation with Cevro Institute

Israel is the only democratic country in the Middle East. Since the foundation of the modern state of Israel, it is also a country that is in an ongoing state of war with its neighbors and has a daily experience with terrorist attacks. Israel must constantly face the democratic dilemma of having effective security measures while still preserving elemental democratic principles and fundamental freedoms. Nevertheless, Israel is a target of ongoing and disproportional criticism from the West as well as from many international organizations. How much distorted is the image of Israel in the eyes of Western liberal democracies? And why is that so?

Welcome:
Alexandr Vondra, Director, Prague Centre for Transatlantic Relations (PCTR), Member, Board of Directors, Forum 2000 Foundation, Czech Republic

Moderator:
Tomáš Pojar, Vice President for International Relations, CEVRO Institute, Czech Republic

Participants:
Dan Schueftan, Director of the National Security Studies Center at the University of Haifa, Israel/Germany
Joshua Muravchik, Distinguished Fellow - World Affairs Institute, USA
Amichai Magen, Head of Diplomacy & Conflict Studies, The Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Herzliya, Israel

Panel

Mánes Gallery, Exhibition Hall

In cooperation with the People in Need Foundation and the Embassy of Ukraine

While the occupying power claims that the living conditions in Crimea improved after the annexation, dozens of Crimean Tatars, pro-Ukrainian activists, lawyers, and independent journalists, are still being persecuted. What does the situation really look like in Crimea three years after the annexation? What strategy does Ukraine have in relation to Crimea and its "de-occupation?"

Participants:
Refat Chubarov, Chairman, Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People
Edem Semedljajev, Crimean Tatar Attorney

Panel

CEVRO Institute

In cooperation with the Integration Center Prague

Integration Centre Prague, o.p.s. is a non-profit organization specializing in the integration of foreigners from non-EU countries. During the debate at the Festival of Democracy, we will talk about topics connected to the coexistence of foreigners and the majority, how foreigners can participate and contribute, and the perception of diversity in this society.

Panel

Václav Havel Library

In cooperation with Freedom for Media!

Svobodu médiím! (Freedom for Media!) represents a platform for media independence and its diversity in the Czech Republic. The platform consists of numerous professional and civic organizations and public personalities whose goal is to defend the freedom of the media and to promote the necessary changes in legislation that would strengthen the independence of the public service media.

Moderator:
Daniel Raus, Journalist, Author
Participants:
Hana Marvanová, Lawyer, Freedom for Media!
Adam Černý, Chair, Syndicate of Journalists of the Czech Republic
Martin Vadas, Former Editor-In-Chief, Czech TV, Chair, FITES
Jan Payne, Neurologist, Lecturer, Freedom for Media!

Panel

Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren

In cooperation with the Institute for Politics and Society

Czech foreign policy has been criticized for a long time, mainly due to the lack of a strategic balance of foreign political elites. One issue lies with President Zeman and his inclination toward dealings with Russia and China. Has there been damage to the reputation of the Czech Republic? Which constructive agenda should the new government take?

Moderator:
Jan Macháček, Journalist, Chair of the Board, Institute for Politics and Society

Participants:
Petr Kolář, Former Ambassador (USA, Russia)
Cyril Svoboda, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cevro Institute, Czech Republic
Daniel Anýž, journalist, Newsweek
Vlaďka Votavová, Director, Association for International Affairs
Christian Kvorning Lassen, Researcher, EUROPEUM, Denmark

Panel

64 U Hradeb Cinema

In cooperation with Not a Useful Artist/Cuba Before the Dawn

Can the Internet and technology be used to fight dictatorships? What are the alternatives in case these tools are absent? Are other alternatives available in the fight against the misuse of the Internet and technologies in support of populism and anti-democratic manipulation in the West? What is the situation in both the democratic and totalitarian worlds? What are the possible lessons?

Moderator:
Petr Šimůnek, Editor in Chief, Forbes Magazine Czech Republic

Participants:
Josef Šlérka, Executive Director, Endowment Fund for Independent Journalism
Tomáš Sedláček, Economist, Lecturer
Karel Janeček, Mathematician, Entrepreneur, Founder of Democracy 21
Hamlet Lavastida, Artist, Cuba

Discussion

American Center of the U.S. Embassy in Prague

In cooperation with Greenpeace

In Hungary, a law on the "transparency of organizations receiving foreign funding” was enacted in June. This is unprecedented in the European Union and demands that many civil society groups register as "foreign-funded.” What are the consequences for NGOs in Hungary and what steps can they take to ensure they can continue their work?

Participants:
Hajnalka Schmidt, Director, Greenpeace Hungary

Panel

Maisel Synagogue

In cooperation with the Jewish Museum in Prague

Israel presents itself as the only democracy in the Middle East. Will this be the case in the next 25 years? From where has Israeli democracy drawn its strength thus far? What is Israel doing to protect democracy and freedom? Have government policy, long-term societal constructs, or external threats endangered these ideals in Israel?

Moderator:
Jan Fingerland, Analyst, Czech Radio, Czech Republic

Panel Discussion
Shlomo Avineri, Professor of Political Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Member, Program Council, Forum 2000 Foundation, Israel
Amichai Magen, Head of Diplomacy & Conflict Studies, The Interdisciplinary Center (IDC), Herzliya, Israel

Other

Mánes Gallery, Exhibition Hall

In cooperation with the People in Need Foundation and the Embassy of Ukraine

A cultural meeting for artists, journalists, diplomats, representatives of civil society and the wider public, who are interested in the current situation in Crimea. Crimean dishes will be served, and Crimean, Ukrainian and Czech musicians will perform. Traditional Crimean products will be on sale to benefit Crimean political prisoners and their families.

Concert

64 U Hradeb Cinema

In cooperation with Not a Useful Artist/Cuba Before the Dawn

Porno para Ricardo is a Cuban rock band founded in 1998 by its frontman, Gorki Aguila. It is considered to be one of the most visible examples of Cubans’ disagreement with Castro's rule. Their lyrics are frequently very explicit, are mostly about politics and contemporary Cuban society, and are harshly critical of the Cuban government and Castro.
Free admission - Donations accepted.

Panel

Studio Alta

In cooperation with Nová škola

How do we tap into the library’s natural community vibe and take advantage of its potential as an integrational tool? Are libraries the ideal places for civic and societal activities? This discussion explores the Nová škola program, which offers volunteer-led tutoring at the Municipal Library in Prague and aims to help children who do not speak Czech as a first language.

Participants:
Michal Kryl, Expert Guarantor, Together in the Library Program, Nová škola
Helena Humňalová, Researcher, Analyst, Charles University
Irena Šormová, Lead Methodologist, Prague Municipal Library
Tomáš Taich, Department of Integration of Foreigners and Ethnic Minorities, Prague 7 Municipality

Panel

European House

In cooperation with the Center for Civic Education

Is democracy “worn out?” Reform calls for restoration of trust and bringing politics back to the people. But how? How do we restore democracy from the bottom up? Who better to answer than citizens who live outside of the system and do not abide by the constraints of politics? Homeless people come to discuss how to restore the capacity of public power to meet people from all walks of life.

Moderators:
Petr Čáp, ASZ/Center for Civic Education
Terezie Vávrová, Center for Civic Education
Participants:
4-5 Homeless persons

Workshop

American Center of the U.S. Embassy in Prague

In cooperation with Imaglee

Democracy stands or falls on the ability to empathize with others and to communicate clearly. Join us to play word and math educational games and invent your own games. You will be able to use them in teaching children and in adult management: both the exceptionally gifted ones and those with specific needs. Enjoy the cards with imaglyphs, 1MA6LEE = Imaglee, with one of their authors.

Lecture

CEVRO Institute

In cooperation with the Faculty of Business Administration, University of Economics, Prague (VŠE)

Critical thinking is a precondition for democratic institutions to function and resist exploitation. Only then it can defend itself against manipulation and disinformation. Society without critical thinking is vulnerable and susceptible to lies. Having the skills to uncover half-truths is the key to accessing quality information and making better decisions.

Lecturers:
Lukáš Hána, Senior Consultant, GrowJob Institute
Kateřina Jiřinová, Senior Lecturer and Researcher, University of Economics in Prague (VŠE)

Panel

Václav Havel Library

In cooperation with the Institute for Christian Democratic Politics, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and Václav Havel Library

These days people suffer from a loss of identity. This open world seems complicated, there is too much information available, and for some the world has become too difficult to understand. Is this the reason why people do not trust traditional institutions and democracy? Come and discuss these issues.

Film Screening and Discussion

American Center of the U.S. Embassy in Prague

In cooperation with Zelený kruh

Locations for gas stations or landfills, or cutting trees in the park: all decisions that could have been influenced by civic associations. But now, an amendment to the Building Act might make it impossible. The public has lost its say in the majority of construction projects. Learn about stories of people who have used their rights to improve their environment; find out how and why these rights have been restricted.

Panel

CEVRO Institute

In cooperation with the Association for Community Organizations (AVPO)

What do donors and partners expect from NGOs? What are the most common myths about NGOs and how do we face them? How can self-regulatory instruments help the NGO sector?

Panel

Langhans, People in Need Center

In cooperation with the Reconstruction of State

Reconstruction of the State is a four-year-long campaign aiming to reduce corruption in the Czech Republic. After successfully passing five bills preventing misuse of public money, the campaign plans to continue changing Czech law in the public interest. Questions to be answered by the forum include: What is it like lobbying in the public interest? How does one lobby? How are topics chosen?

Panel

CEVRO Institute

In cooperation with the Institute for Social Inclusion

Hateful hoaxes and disinformation spread via emails, social, traditional and “alternative“ media often pose a more serious societal threat than an openly racist expression of an extremist. Is the counter extremism approach still sufficient today? Should the fight against extremist groups be the primary focus of the state and society, or rather the protection of victims and vulnerable groups?

Discussion

Café des Taxis, Anglo American University

In cooperation with the Anglo-American University

The election and presidency of Donald Trump have been seen as a sea-change in American politics. His leadership and actions concerning government and traditions of American democracy have alarmed many. This discussion, led by Alexei Anisin, Ph.D., researcher and lecturer at Anglo-American University, will examine what the first year since Trump’s election means for democracy in the US and globally.

Participant:
Alexei Anisin, Researcher, Lecturer, Anglo-American University

Exhibition

The Školská Communication Space

In cooperation Tibet Open House Praha

To commemorate Václav Havel's friendship with the former Tibetan leader, we present an exhibit about the life and legacy of His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama. This collection of rare photographs was compiled under the supervision of the Office of His Holiness in Dharamshala and lent to the Linhart Foundation to be presented for the first time ever across Europe.

Discussion

The Školská Communication Space

In cooperation with Tibet Open House Praha

The discussion will be held at Tibet Open House — a multicultural center in Prague. Topics will include: “Secular Ethics” by H.H. Dalai Lama, Modesty & Consumption, Dialogue & Conflict, Values & Climate, Economy & Ecology. These issues require debate for real change and a viable future.

Participants:>
Yeshi Gawa, Spiritual Director, Tibet Open House, Scholarship Recipient, Linhart Foundation Tashi Phuntsok, Director, Tibet Museum

Film Screening

Regional Research Library in Liberec

In cooperation with the International Human Rights Film Festival One World

Bassem Youssef is an Egyptian whose life was affected by the Arab Spring. Fulfilling his dream, he ended his career of a surgeon to become a host of a satirical talk show with an average audience of up to 30 million. However, after escalating political threats, he had to go into exile. His story reflects recent political turbulences in Egypt. The film won the One World film festival in Brussels.

Film Screening and Discussion

International Environmental Education, Advisory, and Information on Water Protection Centre

In cooperation with Vodňany žijou

How can the rapid development of the information market combined with a crisis of trust in democratic institutions co-effect transformation of the democratic political system? How do technologies of manipulation used to influence public opinion limit the positive effects of the information revolution? In the world where everyone seems to have their own truth, is it even possible to agree on something?

Film Screening and Discussion

Nadácia POLIS

In cooperation with the Polis Foundation

The documentary by Dušan Trančík, “The Shadows of Tiso,” is about the Slovak wartime state as told by Tiso’s prosecutor, defense counsel, and the man who found him in 1945. The screening will be followed by Q&A and a presentation of Konvália, a non-fiction book by Denisa Fulmeková, about a Jewish girl who mothered the child of a Roman Catholic monk (poet Rudolf Dilong) during the Holocaust.

Moderator:
Andrej Bán, Journalist, Co-author of the Documentary "The Shadows of Tiso"

Participants:
Denisa Fulmeková, Author of the novel "Konvália"
Katarína Mešková Hradská, Historian, Institute of History, Slovak Academy of Sciences
Dušan Trančík, Director, Author of the Documentary "The Shadows of Tiso"

Panel

Legislature of the Hradec Králové Region

In cooperation with the Political Science Club, Philosophical Faculty, University of Hradec Králové and Cuba before the Dawn

Two panel discussions within the scope of the Festival of Democracy will take place on October 11, 2017, in Hradec Králové and will build on this year´s theme: “Strengthening Democracy in Uncertain Times.” The topic will be introduced through the Latin American and African perspectives, in an effort to present the issue of democracy in other regions to the participants.

Discussion

GASK Kutná Hora

In cooperation with the Gallery of Central Bohemia (Gask)

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Charter 77, and we will hold a meeting with artist and essayist Eugen Brikcius on the theme of the relationship between artists and the charter. A witness and participant in the cultural and political situation in Czechoslovakia during the ‘60s and ’70s, Brikcius is invited to reflect on the events and personalities of that period.

Participants:
Eugen Brikcius, Author, Signatory of Charter 77, Member of PEN International
Zuzana Brikcius, Journalist, Anti-communist Activist

Roundtable Debate

Czech Center Budapest

In cooperation with Political Capital

Within the framework of an IVF-supported project, a comprehensive survey was conducted on Visegrad citizens‘ motivations for and opinions about active citizenship. The results of the project are based on a qualitative and quantitative study, in addition to fieldwork using a representative sample of V4 societies. During the roundtable discussion, Political Capital will present the key findings of the research and then open the floor to a discussion about active citizenship. The event should be seen as a forum for raising awareness about the importance of active participation, which has the potential to enrich political landscapes and reinforce resilience among the people.