2008 Energize!

A search for what generates the new generation.

The board hypothesizes that the world surrounding us today feels as if it has come to a standstill. Societies trust in institutions as well as government is lower than ever, we have developed a rather negative stance/attitude towards multidisciplinary societal issues. For instance the threat of terrorism and climate issues are still of great concern, and perhaps most important: people no longer seem to trust one another, whilst distrust is our greatest enemy in the solving of problems.

This has to stop. We believe it is time to shift from a negative attitude, to a more positive stance. It is time for new energy. New, because this energy will arise from the new generation. A generation able to energize and able to create perspective. New energy is needed in order to stimulate citizens’ participation in solving current issues, issues concerning environment, social cohesion and education: Hereby shaping the future.

Prominent questions are: Are new methods by which means we can energize perhaps consciousness an d religion?Is energizing an individual activity, or is there a collective energy that can bind people? 

There seems to be a shift in the manner of participation in society. People do not seem to be mobilized by government or institutions anymore. So what does still trigger them?

Does the lack of trust in government and institutions have a negative influence on our creativity and innovative skills? Or should this development be used as an opportunity for individual initiative?

What exactly are you doing to benefit society? Which individual from the so-called MTV generation dares to take a pro active stance? Thereby creating a breakthrough in the standstill of society at the moment?
In addition, who from generation X dares to take responsibility in taking the younger generation by the hand?

Energizing is what must take place, and this is our ultimate aim in our symposium.

 

Speakers

Prof. Dr. Lord Alec Broers
Theo Jansen
Lida Abdul
Drs. Robert Polet
Prof. Dr. Tariq Ramadan
Harald Doornbos
Gotham Chopra
Prof. Dr. Valerie Frissen
Prof. Geoff Mulgan
Dr. Ernest Chijoke Madu

Symposium Chairman

H.R.H. Prince Constantijn

Executive Board

Stefanie Bruinse - Chairman
Philip Gallas - Treasurer
Hakim Taouati - Thematicus
Suzanne Leijten - Participants
Joost van der Mersch - Marketing & Logistics

Masters of Ceremonies

Benjamin Bourgonje
Anouk Damen