Description
Central European Forum 2014 is the sixth edition of the annual international conference advancing common European values and identity by serving as a hub for cross-national networking of European civil society and European public. The proposed multi-genre conference builds on the key message of 1989: commitment to openness and the embrace of European values. CEF2014 will be held from November 14 to November 17 in Bratislava and will embrace 7 discussion panels and several fringe events such as school debates, film screenings and exhibition. Under the central heading "Us and Them" its aim is to dissect the nature and implications of the phenomenon buffeting contemporary Europe: entrenched polarisation within our societies – the wall of mutual recrimination and victimhood has grown so high that it blocks any reasonable dialogue, and no force or common idea seems strong enough to tear it down. In this respect, CEF2014 builds on the legacy of the 25th anniversary of the fall of communism.
Summary of project results
The project was a response to the problem of divided Slovak society, where different attitudes and life experiences are met with rejection instead of discussion. This has a negative impact especially on those members of society, who need solidarity and protection from the state most of all - Roma minority, sexual minorities, children and adolescents, seniors, people with health handicaps. The society's ability to respect different ways of life and empathy is not given and people need to learn to discuss and accept plurality, otherwise the notion of active citizenship is an empty concept. Sustainability of the project is achieved via thorough documentation of the project outcomes and its publication, publishing activities, organisation of public debates during the year, cooperation within the created platform and engaging volunteers in the future projects of our organisation. The aim of the project was to provide a unique setting for European and American intellectuals, writers, journalist and artists to confront their perspectives and experiences in an open dialogue with the general public and to offer stimuli for further networking between civil society organizations and on the level of individuals, thus contribute to the creation of conditions for active citizenship. These aims were to a large extent achieved. Despite the fact that the project activities were realised mostly in Bratislava, where it addressed a wide audience (age, gender, nationality, language competences), we reached a nation-wide and international impact through our activities in Banská Bystrica, Pohoda 2014, engagement of European NGOs, online stream and our publishing activities. We achieved the project aims by thorough preparation of public discussions – good choice of panelists, topics and venues, which attracted and enabled participation of the general public ; by creation of the group of volunteers; by publishing the outcomes of the conference The main target group involved in the project was young people (students), who participated on preparation and organisation of the conference and discussions. The main contribution of the project lies in providing space for discussion and engaging the general public in debate on important topics that negatively divide society.
Summary of bilateral results