Festival of Democracy 2019

HOW WE CAN SUPPORT INCLUSIVE AND STRONGLY DEMOCRATIC GUIDANCE POLICIES AND SYSTEMS?

Discussion / CZ
11:00 – 14:00, The Centre for International Cooperation in Education
In cooperation with Czech Euroguidance Center and The Centre for International Cooperation in Education

IAEVG Global Symposium of career guidance experts was held on 10th September 2019 in Brno. The Symposium focused on the role of guidance community in the development of national guidance systems: voices of counselors and associations in career guidance policies and systems development, dialogue between all stakeholders. And how can we support an inclusive and democratic society?

Speakers:
Petr Chaluš, Hana Rozprýmová, Lukáš Vlček

PHENOMENON AUTISM

Film and exhibition / CZ
11:00 – 18:00, Café AdAstra
In cooperation with Za sklem o.s.

My world is suitable, like yours ... Just within a barrier. Organization Za sklem o.s. prepared as part of the Festival of Democracy 2019 an not for sale exhibition of paintings created by people with Asperger syndrome and the screening of a film entitled Phenomenon Autism. After seeing it, they can learn about the issue of autism spectrum disorder. The program itself will take place at the restaurant, with people with disabilities serving at the table, helping you to prepare tasty food or coffee. In the course of the event, employees of our organization became a partner for disabled or handicapped employees. Overall, the purpose of the event is to increase public awareness of the issue of ASD and to inform about the opportunities of care for people on the spectrum.

FROM KABUL TO BERLIN... VIA CREIL…

Lecture / FR/CZ
17:00 – 18:00, French Institute in Prague
In cooperation with French Institute in Prague

In Central Europe, the moment of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 is considered the success of the Velvet Revolution and the fall of Communism. But we often forget that the Soviet Union fell because the Red Army was defeated in Afghanistan when it left Kabul on 15 February and that 1989, which witnessed the rise of the Islamic Salvation Front in Algeria or Fatwa against Salman Rushdi, confirms Islam's international position - and on the ruins of communism. The attacks of September 11, 2001, and the Daesh attacks represent the continuation of this situation. This situation will be reflected by Gilles Kepel, whose book "Sortir du Chaos / Les crises en Méditerranée et au Moyen Orient" (published by Gallimard) was recently published.

Speakers:
Gilles Kepel

BACK TO THE SANDBOX: ART AND RADICAL PEDAGOGY

Book presentation / EN
17:30 – 19:30, Anglo - American University
In cooperation with the Anglo-American University

Presentation of an international book project that summarizes exhibitions, discussions, research, and contributions on systemic education issues from dozens of authors from several continents. In addition to artists, also teachers, students and experts from natural and social sciences contributed to the project, answering the question "What education do we need?" Among the Czech artists, the project was attended by Eva Koťátková, Petr Nikl and the group "Společnost za veselejší současnost" from the year 1989 (Bára Štěpánová, Luboš Rychvalský and Petr Payne). The project will be presented by its main organizer, Jaroslav Anděl.

WALKING ‘ROUND THE CIRCLE: THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT DEMOCRATIC VALUES

Discussion / CZ
18:00 – 20:00, Mezinárodní environmentální vzdělávací, poradenské a informační středisko ochrany vod Vodňany
In cooperation with Vodňany žijou

Czech Republic was full of hope that democracy, freedom, and a global order based on peace and responsibility would finally prevail. In the watershed year of 1989, in communist Czechoslovakia, people united against the tyrannical government, demanding freedom and democracy and vesting their hopes in a new just society. Today, thirty years after the ‘Velvet Revolution,’ town squares are again full of people battling to change the rule of law and for the respect of democratic principles. Why do populist leaders climb the ladder of power? How can faith in liberal democracy be strengthened in these uncertain times? Are we to expect further tests of civic responsibility?

Speakers:
Apolena Rychlíková (editor, A2larm), Ondřej Císař (sociologist, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University in Prague), Mikuláš Minář (chairman, Milion chvilek pro demokracii), Jindřich Šídlo (political commentator, Seznam)

Moderator:
Ondřej Ditrych (Institute of International Relations)

P A R A P L E 2 5 S V O B O D A 3 0

Graffiti Jam / CZ
10:00 – 18:00, Orionka Graffiti Wall
In cooperation with Centrum Paraple

Twenty-five years ago, Centrum Paraple, was founded. Its establishment wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for the events of 1989 when normalization gave way to a healthy civil society. The desire to be free is what drives both Centrum Paraple and people who express themselves with street art. Before the Velvet Revolution, one could spot graffiti artists and people in wheelchairs here and there, but only the boldest and bravest of them dared to be seen out in the streets. Join us in celebrating freedom on October 12, 2019, at the Orionka (Modranska street).

FESTIVAL DEMOKRACIE V HRADCI KRÁLOVÉ

Discussion / CZ
15:30 – 19:30, Kavárna Artičok
In cooperation with Mluvmespolu.cz, z.s.

What are the biggest challenges to our society 30 years after the Velvet Revolution? Countryside with no water? A society with no democracy? Or something completely different? Everyone may join us at the Hradec Králové’s Festival of Democracy in Hradec Králové discussion with journalist Petra Procházková, vice-president of A Million Moments for Democracy association Benjamin Roll, historian Tomáš Petráček, and environmentalist Jiří Malík.

FESTIVAL DAY

11:00 – 19:00, Václav Havel Square
Forum 2000 Foundation in cooperation with Člověk v tísni, Europeum and DidaDiv

30 years ago, keys opened our doors to freedom and now they shake so we do not lose it again. Come to celebrate civic activity as a cornerstone of a free and democratic society. You can look forward to discussions where participants strive to speak and listen to each other, share experience and learn from each other, regardless of different political views or social backgrounds, because our shared future is in our hands. Do you feel the responsibility for the society and the world you live in?

Program:

• 11:00–11:15 Opening of the Festival Day
• 11:00–14:00 Workshop for children and parents: Cardboard theater DidaDiv
• 11:30–12:00 Exhibition opening: Story of the Logo of Civic Forum
• 12:00–12:15 Exhibition opening: Between the Prague Castle and the Dungeons of the StB: The Czech Bahá’í Faith during the Austro-Hungarian Empire up to 1989 – Tested but Unbroken
• 12:30–12:45 Dialogue for Peace – Europe Tour 2019
• 13:30 – 14:00 Concert: Lavon Volski (BY)
• 14:15 – 14:45 Presentation of cardboard theater DidaDiv
• 15:00–16:30 Discussion: 15 + 15 Years of freedom / In cooperation with Europeum
• 17:30–18:30 Theater: Grass Stabbing Earth / In cooperation with People in Need

COMMON NARRATIVE FOR EUROPE: BETWEEN IDEOLOGY AND SPIRITUALITY

Roundtable / EN
16:00 – 17:30, Academic Parish Prague
In cooperation with Academic Parish Prague and Evropská platforma, z. s.

The founding fathers imprinted upon a European integration project a number of primary Christian principles, such as reconciliation, solidarity, equality, and interdependence. Currently, however, there are many political leaders who seek to conceal their nationalistic and populist goals by fighting for European "true Christian identity." What is the reality of common narrative for Europe today? How is it possible to prevent the misuse of Christian values in the fight against the EU?

Speakers:
Federigo Argentieri (Italy), David Macek (Czechia), Alena Scheinostová (Czechia), Stefan Waanders (the Netherlands)

Moderator:
Adéla Muchová

THE RISE OF ILLIBERALISM: THE CASE OF ISRAEL

Discussion / EN
16:00 – 17:30, Maisel Synagogue
In cooperation with the Jewish Museum in Prague

The basic pillars of democracy, among them independent courts and independent media, have, in many democratic states, come under the attack of democratically elected politicians. Nationalism and rights of a majority became accented at the expense of liberal values. In electoral campaigns, political opponents are depicted as a threat to the stability of a state. Israel is not immune to many of those trends. How robust is Israeli democracy? To what extent are illiberal tendencies in the USA and Europe similar or different to those in Israel? Can the growing focus on the Jewish character of Israel weaken the democratic character of the state?

Speakers:
Rachel Azaria, Gadi Taub

Moderator:
Irena Kalhousová

DEMOCRACY AND TRUTH

Discussion / CZ
13:00 – 14:30, Václav Havel Library
In cooperation with Nadační fond WebDialog

What is the relationship between democracy and truth? Democracy is usually understood as a government in which essential decisions are made by the will of the majority. But it cannot be voted about the truth. It remains true, even if only a minority defends it. Promoting the truth against the will of the majority could even appear anti-democratic systems. Does democracy have to give up the truth? And does truth in democratic politics have a place? Is it not merely persuading the masses, especially when public space is dominated by media marketing? On the other hand, suppressing the right to truthful information is one of the basic features of authoritarian regimes. The current oppressive regimes deliberately spread false propaganda not only among their citizens but also among the inhabitants of Western democratic countries. We are doing this again today that democratic societies are threatened by organized lies. Isn't a democracy, after all, life-dependent? And isn't one of the functions of a democratic state to provide space for the search for truth?

Speakers:
Tomáš Halík, Miroslav Petříček, Václav Němec

Moderator:
Veronika Sedláčková

TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATIONS AND DEMOCRACY

Discussion / CZ
14:30 – 16:00, Langhans - People in Need Center
In cooperation with NaZemi

The world's 100 largest economies include 31 countries and 69 corporations. Having more resources than most governments give the top businesses a big say in public affairs (mostly behind closed doors). And it is difficult to regulate them as these actors often do not belong to one jurisdiction. This position enables transnational corporations to violate human and environmental rights and potentially threaten democracy. The speakers will outline possible solutions to this and engage the participants in the discussion. How can we ensure that transnational corporations adhere to human and environmental rights and do not threaten democracy?

Speakers:
Tereza Volmutová, Jan Májíček, Jakub Patočka

Moderator:
Robert Ach-Hübner

HOW TO ENGAGE THE CZECH CIVIL SOCIETY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION?

Discussion / CZ
15:00 – 16:30, Václav Havel Library
In cooperation with Anticorruption Endowment

During the post-socialist transition in the Czech Republic, public policies were aimed at tackling political corruption, with more or less success. However, according to various opinion polls, corruption is still cited as one of the most urgent issues that must be resolved. This demonstrates that political corruption should be addressed beyond legal and institutional arrangements. Indeed, corruption is a relevant starting point to examine a society in terms of relationships between citizens and the state, expectations from office-holders, civil society engagement, and last but not least, the evolution of societal values. What lessons can we draw from other transitioning countries such as Kosovo or Afghanistan? James Wasserstrom, currently an anti-corruption officer in Afghanistan, will share his experience from these transitioning countries. From there we'll move on to a discussion about anti-corruption tools and methods where civil society can be engaged: rewarding and protecting whistleblowers, introducing innovative voting methods, or crowdfunding an online calculator that speeds up the prosecution of corrupt politicians. Finally, we would like to open a discussion about the contours of the anti-corruption fight in the next 30 years. How will personal and societal values evolve, and how they will impact subjective judgments on corruption? Will we be more tolerant towards these transgressions, or on the contrary, condemnation of corrupt behaviors will get stronger? How to translate this moral condemnation into democratic practices? Can the anti-corruption endeavor unite Czech society?

Speakers:
Jim Wasserstrom, Karel Janeček, Ondřej Timčo, Alexandre Reznikow

Moderator:
Karel Škácha

ADAM MICHNIK: A STRANGE PERIOD

Discussion / CZ
17:00 – 18:30, Václav Havel Library
In cooperation with Václav Havel Library

Talks between Václav Havel and Adam Michnik.They met for the first time in 1978 at a secret gathering on the peaks of the Krkonoše Mountains as enemies of the Communist regime. Less than 12 years later, the playwright Václav Havel had become Czechoslovak (and later Czech) president and the journalist Adam Michnik was editor-in-chief of Poland’s biggest daily, Gazeta Wyborcza. The illegal meeting of these two exceptional figures, linked by the idea of an effective and peaceful strategy to dismantle authoritarian regimes in Central Europe, led to a lifelong friendship. Over the two subsequent post-revolution decades, they conducted a constant dialogue on how to build democracy, cultivate a free political culture and maintain their ideals in their countries. The conversations, in which Havel’s and Michnik’s views, different life experiences and humor collided, offer a penetrating testimony to a remarkable era. They are coming out in a complete form, and in Czech, for the first time. Michael Žantovský will chair a talk with Adam Michnik and the book’s editor Tomáš Vrba.

FESTIVAL OF DEMOCRACY: LIBRARIES - MEDIA – CITIZENSHIP

Discussion / CZ
18:00 – 19:30, Municipal Library of Prague, local branch Korunní
In cooperation with Municipal Library of Prague

Recent research has shown that media and information literacy are deficient in the Czech Republic. We believe that the inability to work with information and verify resources is currently one of the serious social problems that threaten the democratic order in the Czech Republic. Libraries cannot and also do not want to observe this process. Together with experts not only from the non-profit sector, but we will also discuss how to address these dangers as librarians. 

Speakers:
Jaroslav Valůch, Hana Landová, Olga Richterová

FREEDOM, TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL GOOD

Discussion / CZ
18:00 – 19:30, WeWork
In cooperation with Vodafone Foundation

Technology is used to expand our freedom in many ways. Ever since the dawn of humanity, new inventions have been helping us achieve our goals faster and more efficiently. There is a reciprocal relationship between Technology and Freedom. Freedom and democracy have enabled technologies to reshape our societies, improving people’s standard of living, helping eliminate poverty, increasing civic participation, inclusion, and human rights. Technology and freedom - are we losing it? How can citizens and communities empower social engagement through technology? How has technology helped deprived communities and activists at risk?

Speakers:
Xiao Qiang Jonathan Ledgard, Radka Bystřická, Adriana Dergam

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN NON-PROFIT SECTOR: BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES

Workshop / EN
10:00 – 12:00, American Center
In cooperation with International Visegrad Fund, Institute for Public Affairs, Hungarian Europe Society and Liberté Foundation

The non-profit sector in the V4 countries made significant progress over the past decades. However, there are still issues challenging NGOs daily. One of the most notable is funding, an essential precondition for every NGO to successfully fulfill its mission. This workshop will address the main issues discussed at the panel discussion during the NGO Market in April 2019. It will inform NGOs on the importance of funding by donors to international NGO consortia, its benefits, effectiveness, and the challenges it presents. The goal is to propose a set of recommendations and solutions for more effective and beneficial international cooperation for all involved partners within the non-profit sector.

The Dalai Lama – Havel, Together For The First Time

Discussion / EN
10:30 – 12:00, Sněmovní 7
In cooperation with Czechs Support Tibet

The debate aims to bring attention to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's first visit to Czechoslovakia in February 1990, during which he accepted an invitation to meet President Václav Havel. Those who witnessed the first meeting between these two distinguished men will share their memories. We will also talk about the situation in Czechoslovakia and Tibet at the time. We wish to address the issue of the consequences of this visit, which were many, at different levels: diplomatic, cultural, spiritual, as well as personal. We would like to focus on the diplomatic and political consequences since the invitation of president Václav Havel helped the Tibetan government in exile to come out of long-lasting diplomatic isolation. The Czech-Tibetan relationship, its development, and its current state will be discussed as well.

Speakers:
Lobsang Sangay, Alexander Neumann, Kate Saunders, Martin Hála

Moderator:
Kateřina Procházková

THE CZECH BAHÁ'Í FAITH DURING THE AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN EMPIRE UP TO 1989

Discussion / CZ
13:00 – 14:30, Václav Havel Library
In cooperation with Bahá’í Information Center, o.p.s.

The search for transcendence and spiritual values has always been one of the typical features of social development in our country. As it was already the case during the Austro-Hungarian Empire but became especially crucial after the establishment of Czechoslovakia in 1918. Until the advent of the Communist dictatorship in 1948, the diversity of spiritual and religious life manifests itself in society. One of the spiritual streams that had a firm place in this mosaic was the teaching of the Bahá'í Faith. It influenced many representatives of Czech intellectual circles and also struck a chord with the Czechoslovak presidents T. G. Masaryk and E. Beneš. Like other churches and religious communities, after the Communist coup, the Czech Bahá'í community became the target of persecution by the totalitarian apparatus.

Speakers:
Kristýa Pilecká, Karel Tesař, Hana Sodeyfi

(UN)FORGETTABLE

Discussion / CZ
15:00 – 17:00, European House
In cooperation with Unite for deinstitutionalization in the Czech Republic

Institutional care is still legitimate, supported, and even developed form of support provided to people with disabilities and mental illness, children and elderly people in the Czech Republic. In discussion with leading Czech stakeholders (parents of children with disabilities, people with disabilities, transition managers, innovators, politicians, sociologists, economists, theologists) we will provide an overview of the current situation in the Czech Republic. Additionally, we will look for the roots of Czech institutionalism, its main sources and the consequences for people, who have to live with it. We will seek an answer to the question of why the freedom wave of the nineties missed 67 thousand people stuck in institutions. And why, after thirty years of democracy, their human rights remain to be addressed?

CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION #GOODFOOD4ALL

Film and Discussion / CZ
16:00 - 17:30 , Austrian Cultural Forum
In cooperation with Česko proti chudobě a nerovnostem

The 12-minute film ‘We Unite’ is a window into the lives of two organic farmers and the reasons they join the yearly ‘We are Fed-Up’ demonstration in Germany. Along with hundreds of other farmers, they drive their tractors into the heart of Berlin where they unite with thousands of citizens calling for a better food and farming system for all. Carlo Horn and Hanna Erz talk about why they farm organically and the impact it has on soils and yield. They will also discuss how they harvest crops in times of droughts. They highlight the need for sustainable food systems that give farmers access to land, protect the environment, pay fair prices, and provide good food for all. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with experts on Sustainable Food Production #GoodFood4All

Speakers:
Viktorie Tenzerová, Markéta Vinkelhoferová, Tomáš Uhnák

Moderator:
Tomáš Tožička

EDUCATION AND DEMOCRACY

Discussion / CZ
16:00 – 17:30, Václav Havel Library
In cooperation with Europeum

Václav Havel and other leading figures of the Czech struggle for a democratic future deemed education to be the foundation for democracy. Today, 30 years after the introduction of democracy to the Czech Republic and 15 years after the Czech accession to the EU, Czechia educational system provides basic education for every citizen and performs well in international testing. On the other hand, education remains underfunded by the government, the teaching workforce is aging, and the content of education is prone to emphasizing the past, both events, and institutions, over contemporary knowledge and the challenges of tomorrow. How far has the Czech education come in fostering democracy, what are the solution to current challenges, and how should education respond to major issues of tomorrow?

Speakers:
Jana Straková, Jan Krajhanzl, Alena Hesová, Daniel Munich

POST-ELECTION SITUATION IN ISRAEL: WILL BIBI BECOME A PENSIONER?

Discussion / EN/CZ
16:30 – 18:30, CEVRO Institut
In cooperation with CEVRO Institute

Will Benjamin Netanjahu, as the longest serving Prime Minister of Israel, be able to form a government once again? Who will be the next Israeli Prime Minister and how much is Israel threatened by the third elections within one year?

Speakers:
Dan Schueftan, Amichai Magen, Gadi Taub

Moderator:
Tomáš Pojar

WHY DON'T WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER?

Discussion / CZ
17:00 – 18:30, (A)void Floating Gallery
In cooperation with the Political Science Club of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University

Why are Czechs trapped in their social bubbles and surprised about the election results? Why are the preferences of extremist political parties growing, and how does this affect the quality of democracy in the Czech Republic? And why is the Czech society split, and citizens do not understand each other? The ambition of the debate of the Political Science Club of the Faculty of Social Sciences of Charles University is to find answers to some of these burning questions together.

Speakers:
Jan Hartl, Ivana Svobodová

CIVIC PARTICIPATION OF FOREIGNERS - THE WAY TOWARDS INTEGRATION?

Discussion / CZ
18:00 – 19:30, Austrian Cultural Forum
In cooperation with the Integration Centre Prague

More than half a million foreigners live in Czechia. Their inclusion in society is an essential condition for peaceful coexistence with the majority. Can civic participation be one of the ways towards their successful integration? And to what extent should it reach to be legitimate?

Speakers:
Andrea Krchová, Martin Rozumek, Ekaterina Kokkalou, Valery Senichev

HUMANS OF THE CONFLICT: THE GRASSROOT STRUGGLE FOR PEACE BETWEEN ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS

Discussion / EN
18:00 – 20:00, Ponrepo Cinema
In cooperation with ICJW

In the time of the political stalemate, when important actors of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict do not pursue compromise and peace, can grassroots initiatives bring a change? Can civil organizations be more effective than politicians and diplomats in building bridges between Israelis and Palestinians? Ali Abu Awwad, a former Palestine Fatah activist who spent a few years in Israeli prisons became an advocate of non-violent resistance in Palestine through "Taghyeer" (change), the movement of which he is the founder. Ali was also the initiator of an initiative in Gush Etzion (in the West Bank) called "Roots" which promotes dialogue and trust between Israelis and Palestinians as the only path to peace. Jean-Marc Liling, a religiously observant Jew, an attorney who worked for the Israeli government and who specializes in issues pertaining to migration and asylum in Israel, joined Ali in founding "Karama" (dignity). Together with many other local activists, they support activities encouraging a dialogue between the two communities, between Israelis and Palestinians, between Jews, Muslims, and Christians. In Prague, during the conference Festival of Democracy, they will discuss their vision for Israel and Palestine and their ideas about how Israelis and Palestinians could co-exist in peace and dignity

Speakers:
Ali Abu Awwad, Jean-Marc Liling

JIŘÍ SOZANSKÝ: AMNESIA

Exhibition / CZ
18:00 – 20:00, Municipal House
In cooperation with SYMPOSION - FP

Jiří Sozanský´s Amnesia project uses visual art forms to revive the Czech personalities who - apart from their top quality art - also dared to stand up against two totalitarian regimes of the 20th century – Nazism and Communism. The notable people represent those who shared similar deal and destiny – like J. Čapek, E. Filla, M. Horáková, J. Zahradníček, J. Zajíc, J. Palach, I. M. Jirous, J. Stránský, and V. Havel. Not only the project commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. It also points out how valuable and necessary their brave approach is in history and today.

LET'S TALK ABOUT FEMINISM!

Discussion / CZ
18:00 – 19:30, American Center
In cooperation with cats2cats

Feminism has a bad connotation in the Czech Republic. Also, it is not goodbeing named or labeled as a feminist. Feminism is associated with stereotypes, and many publicly known figures start their speeches with "I'm not a feminist." We want to discuss about fears of feminism, stereotypes, and the meaning of the word FEMINISM. We believe we can change it by talking about it.

CHINA: HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE 21ST CENTURY DIGITAL SURVEILLANCE STATE

Discussion / EN
18:30 – 20:00, Faculty of Arts at Charles University
Information Centre for Democracy and Human Rights in China in cooperation with One World, Amnesty International, Sinopsis, Association for International Affairs, Lungta, Czechs Support Tibet

Thirty years ago, in the spring of 1989, students and hundreds of millions of other Chinese citizens were harboring hopes for a freer, more democratic country. These hopes were crushed on the night of June 3 to 4, at the Tiananmen square. Since then, unlike the communist regimes in Central Europe that collapsed later in the same year, the Chinese communists solidified power and gradually created a modern, technology-based system of total control, that even the brutal totalitarians of the 20th century would have only dreamed of. How does the Chinese system of totalitarian control work? What is the current situation of human rights in the country? How strong is the Chinese communist regime? Is it sustainable in the long term?

Speakers:
Lobsang Sangay, Dolkun Isa, Ketty W. Chen

Moderator:
Ivana Karásková

EXILED

Film and discussion / EN
18:30 – 19:30, Langhans - People in Need Center
Democratic Solidarity in cooperation with People in Need

In 1998, Zoilamérica Ortega Murillo publicly accused her adoptive stepfather, Daniel Ortega, of rape. While Ortega, a leader of the Sandinista revolution and president of Nicaragua, remains in power, she lives in exile—isolated from family, estranged from her mother, and considered a traitor by her country. 'Exiled' exposes the profound injustice of having a statute of limitations on reporting sexual assault, but none on political power and impunity.

Speakers:
Dánae Válchez, Christiana Chamorro

Moderator:
Clara Gonzalez

„T.R. FIELD“

Theater / CZ
20:00 – 21:00, Dejvice theater – anti.kvariát
In cooperation with Bohnicka Theatre Company®

A group of literary scholars, lovers of the poet Field's work, meet at a public, annual symposium, in the lounge of a local pub or café. Spectators suddenly become guests of the event. There are satirical and sad, frivolous and in love, verses recited, and a special guest crowns the whole meeting. An accordion player and a singer will take us to the world of popular folk songs from the First Republic. On the whole, the symposium is reminiscent of a very entertaining, old Prague cabaret, where everyone has a good time. But there is also a sad note: the poet's testimony of hospitalization in psychiatry and the last things of man.

Tickets: www.dejvickedivadlo.cz

EFFECTIVE ACTIVISM: INSPIRATIONAL AND DISCUSSION MEETING OF PRO-DEMOCRACY CIVIC INITIATIVES

Workshop EN/CZ
09:30 – 16:45, Goethe-Institut
In cooperation with Festival of Freedom

There are critical situations in the life of every society when it is important for responsible citizens to stand up and speak their voice. Often, this may be a critical moment in gaining, recovering or preserving freedom and democracy. This meeting aims, in an informal atmosphere, to present examples of such citizens ́ initiatives from other countries and discuss possible lessons for the Czech civil society. Which forms of civic activism have been successful? How can the public be awoken to stand up for freedom and democracy? How can we prevent disunity in the pro-democracy camp? Are there any positive examples?

Tibet in Contemporary Chinese Politics: Consolidation of Social and Economic Control in Tibetan areas of the PRC

Discussion / EN
10:00 – 12:00, Academy of Sciences, room 206
In cooperation with Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences

This event will discuss the role of the Tibetan regions and the Tibetan community in the PRC’s national and international policies aiming at better national integrity and economic and cultural connectivity.It will further focus on the development of the Tibetan socio-cultural identity in the various environments within the PRC.For the PRC, Tibet has strategic importance not only in the national context. As a politically-cultural entity, it can play an important role also in the contemporary global settings, dominated by PRC’s active involvement in the competition for global economic and political influence and leadership. The international perception of the Tibetan issue is also closely related to the attempt of China’s public diplomacy to establish an attractive national image presenting a China that shares the social and cultural values of the democratic world.

Speakers:
Robert Barnett, Andrew Fischer

MILAN RASTISLAV ŠTEFÁNIK AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DEMOCRATIC CZECHOSLOVAKIA

Discussion / SK
16:30 – 19:00, POLIS Foundation
In cooperation with Polis Foundation

What were the times in the era of Milan Rastislav Štefánik? What was his input into the emergence of democracy? Which of Štefánik’s diplomatic activities proved vital in connection with the foundation of Czechoslovakia? What was his diplomatic position as Minister of War and what did his position mean at the time? The foundation of Czechoslovak Legions in Russia, France, and Italy and their significance at the time, milestones and key figures Štefánik’s journey to the legions in Russia. How did Štefánik succeed in rearranging the legions into the first official Czechoslovak army? And the Czechoslovak Army in Russia? What was the input of the Czechoslovak legions in the foundation of Czechoslovakia? 28 October 1918 and the foundation of Czechoslovakia. 30 October 1918 and The Martin Declaration. Why did the Communist regime attempt to remove Štefánik from historical memory? The abuse of Štefánik’s today: positive patriotism vs. primitive nationalism. Štefánik’s lasting legacy.

Speakers:
Michal Kšiňan, Eduard Stehlík

Moderator:
Marián Balázs

1989 VS. 2019: WHERE DOES CENTRAL EUROPE STAND 30 YEARS AFTER THE VELVET REVOLUTION?

Discussion / SK
17:00 – 18:30, Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava
In cooperation with GLOBSEC Policy Institute

This year marks the 30th anniversary since the fall of the Iron Curtain, which sparked the beginning of a democratic transformation in Central Europe. Has our dream of rapprochement towards the “West“ been fulfilled? What is the state of society 30 years after the fall? Can we still speak about an “East-West“ divide in the context of living standards and values?

Speakers:
Doc. Oľga Gyarfášová, Gabriel Šípoš, Dominika Hajdu

Moderator:
Doc. Andrej Findor

CHINA’S CULTURAL DIPLOMACY IN CZECH REPUBLIC AND IN THE WORLD

Discussion / CZ
17:00 – 18:30, Academia Bookstore Literary Café
In cooperation with Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences and Publishing house Academia

Recent incidents of cancellation of planned tours of several Prague musical ensembles by Chinese authorities as a retaliation measure after Prague municipal governments’ efforts to remove a One China Policy clause from its 2016 sister-city agreement with Beijing highlights China’s use of culture as a foreign policy tool. Cultural diplomacy is an essential strategy of China’s national image building because the ruling Communist Party of China has been gradually shelving orthodox Communist ideology and instead presenting the current regime as the bearer of the traditional cultural values of a millennia-old Chinese civilization. The efforts at politicizing culture have been particularly obvious in recent years as China’s leadership has been searching for domestic legitimacy by constructing a specific cultural tradition and as China has sought to play a more prominent role in international relations. This public debate will illustrate how China uses culture for its political interests on examples from the Czech Republic and other countries. The event will also introduce a book on China’s cultural diplomacy recently published in Czech by the Academia publishing house.

Speakers:
Olga Lomová, Jarmila Ptáčková, Jakub Hrubý, Ondřej Klimeš

FESTIVAL OF DEMOCRACY: OVER TEA ABOUT DEMOCRACY

Discussion / EN / CZ
17:00 – 19:00, Ebisu
In cooperation with Nesehnutí

This discussion will consist of an entertaining knowledge quiz about democracy in the Czech Republic and the world, followed by an informal discussion in the form of World Cafe on the same topic. It is a community meeting that is open to anyone interested. They will meet and greet with locals and incomers from different parts of the world. There will be complimentary tea, but other food and beverages will be covered by each participant. The speaking language is Czech.

How Anti-Semitic is Modern Populism in Central Europe?

Discussion / EN
17:00 – 19:15, Jewish Town Hall
In cooperation with Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and American Jewish Committee

In recent years, we have observed the rise of nativist population (not only) in most Central European countries. This phenomenon correlates with the rise of latent and sometimes even openly violent anti-Semitism. At the same time, the position of populist political forces on antiSemitism is complex and unfathomable. While often being pro-Israel, they sometimes campaign on hidden anti-Jewish clichés and prejudices and use them to their advantage. Are we witnessing the rise of a new type of hybrid anti-Semitism?

Please confirm your participation by 15th October 2019 by filling this form.

Speakers:
Dr. Detmar Doering, Rabbi Andrew Baker, Tomáš Kraus, Dr. Ivan Gabal, Máté Hajba, Anna Makówka-Kwapisiewicz, Máté Hajba, Dr. Solomon Passy

Moderator:
Dr. Eszter Nova

L'ALTRE FESTIVAL PERFORMING ARTS THAT CHANGE THE WORLD

Discussion / EN
18:00 – 19:30, České společnosti pro duševní zdraví
In cooperation with Bohnicka Theatre Company®

Close your eyes and imagine a place like our planet where there are plenty of small communities that live in villages and towns and experience their daily joys and sorrows. Imagine that you are on the moon and you look at them from above, and you see the beauty of the lights. Imagine that one day, one of the groups decides to explore and travel and to see those other mini-worlds. Imagine that the different worlds come together in one and four days living intensively with theatre, music, dance, and circus in Barcelona (Spain) and Rosario (Argentina). All together. People with and without mental illness, neighbors who live nearby and are curious about what is happening there, people who like art, children who play at the square, artists from all over the world. This is the L'Altre Festival! It's an International meeting about the performing arts and the mental world. A world of democracy, a world of emotion, and a world where everyone has the same human rights and their place on this planet. Where your status or disease is not an issue, where you are important as you are, without stickers. Discover this planet with us on October 16! Come to discuss with us how to create a world without labels and hope, because hope is the last to die!

TAIWAN DEMYSTIFIED

Discussion / EN
19:00 – 21:00, Václav Havel Library
In cooperation with Sinopsis

The event will present Taiwan as a democratic country in a difficult geo-political position, and an important investment partner for the Czech Republic. It will clarify the current status of Taiwan in international relations, including its position on the “One China Principle ”. Other topics will include Cross-Straits Relations, cooperation with other countries, and some of the recent controversies in the Czech Republic, such as the much discussed Prague’s Sister City agreements.

Speakers:
Joey Wang, Ketty W. Chen, Carl Gershman, Martin Hála, Michael Žantovský

Moderator:
Kateřina Procházková

THE CRISIS IN XINJIANG – EAST TURKESTAN: LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND INTERNATIONAL IMPLICATIONS

Discussion / EN
9:00 – 16:30, Sněmovní 7
In cooperation with Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences and Campaign for Uyghurs

Mass arbitrary detention of Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and individuals belonging to other, mostly Muslim nationalities in political reeducation camps in China’s northwestern Xinjiang region, also known as East Turkestan, is among the most controversial phenomena seen by the world in the 21st century. Yet this unprecedented measure is merely one of the multiple aspects of China’s extreme reengineering of local Muslim societies. These also include family separations, forced labor, ubiquitous technological surveillance, and uprooting of religious, linguistic, and cultural practices. As the atrocities committed by Chinese authorities in East Turkestan invite comparisons with mass incarcerations and crimes against humanity committed elsewhere in the world, the crisis has also become an irritant of China’s relations with a part of the international community. This debate brings together activists and experts who will discuss the latest developments in East Turkestan and their international implications.

Speakers:
Rushan Abbas, Dolkun Isa, Enver Can, Gardner Bovingdon, Halmurat, Olsi Jazexhi, Vanessa Frangville, Gene Bunin, Rune Steenberg, Ondřej Klimeš

30 YEARS SINCE THE FALL OF THE IRON CURTAIN IN EUROPE

Diskuse / CZ
17:00 – 19:00, CEVRO Institute
In cooperation with the Institute for Politics and Society

Almost 30 years ago, the Communist regimes began to fall in Central and Eastern Europe. The Berlin wall alongside the fences with spurred wires fell so fast that even the highest Communist leaders were so surprised that they couldn't respond adequately to the situation. The Central European states had to deal with many challenges related to the democratization of the communist institutions. They began transforming the economy and society, acquiring the principles of the rule of law, starting the path to membership in Western structures and establishing contacts with new partners and allies. Along with events like the unification of Germany and the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. This was not an easy process, as Ralf Dahrendorf mentioned in the past, it takes six months to replace a political system, six years to transform an economic system, and 60 years to change a society. Fukuyama said in the 1990s that the fall of the Iron Curtain had basically ended history, because the democratic and economic liberal world order had expanded successfully and was the only possible stage of human development. How can we look at the well-known statements of Fukuyama and Dahrendorf? Which states have successfully transformed to become a part of western structures? Which ones have failed and why? What was the impact of the fall of the communism in Europe on the rest of the world? Why haven´t the Asian communist regimes fallen, too?

Speakers:
Václav Bělohradský, Miroslav Vaněk, Jaroslav Šebek, Edvard Outrata

Moderator:
Aneta Černá

WATER, SOIL AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Discussion / CZ
18:00 – 20:00, Scout Institute
In cooperation with Ekodomov

Take the unique opportunity to discuss our relationship to soil and the context of water, soil and climate change with the leading experts. To what extent does soil quality affect us and what impact does it have on our health, climate or the amount of available water? What can we do ourselves? How does organic matter in soil relate to available water and climate change? We will address these burning issues and also how all this relates to democracy. A unique discussion will outline a lot of contexts and deepen your awareness of climate change.

Speakers:
Prof. Mgr. Ing. Jan Frouz,CSc., Ing. Zdeněk Perlinger, Tomáš Hodek, RNDr. Oldřich Syrovátka, CSc., Ing. Michaela Budňáková, doc. Ing. Vít Penížek, Ph.D., RNDr. Jan Piňos

ARE POWERFUL PEOPLE AFRAID OF POLITICAL SATIRE?

Discussion / CZ
19:00 – 20:30, Prague Creative Center
In cooperation with The Institute for Christian Democratic politics

Political satire has a long tradition in the Czech Republic, but it has seen a boom after 1989, on television and in comics or theatre. At present, satire is spreading mainly through the Internet. As part of the debate, we will mention not only the history of political satire in the Czech Republic but also its current renaissance and its role as an essential element of political democracy and freedom of speech.

Speakers:
Jindřich Šídlo, Vladimír Just

Moderator:
Petr Vizina