Superpower Resilience – Hope on the Path to Transformation?

As part of its series of events “Academy under Trees”, the Genshagen Foundation, in cooperation with the international network “Dialogues en humanité”, invited participants to a public conference dedicated to the question of whether resilience is a key factor for the path to transformation in times of permanent crises. After an introductory talk by Leon Kapetas (Resilient Cities Network) on how cities can strengthen their resilience, four agoras took place under the trees of the castle park to discuss the meaning of resilience in different contexts. In the first round, Caitlin Southwick (Ki Culture) and Karim Selouane (Resallience) shed light on the power of resilience in the context of climate change and sustainability, while Andreas Oldenbourg (Das Progressive Zentrum e.V.) and Tímea Junghaus (European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture) looked at democracies in times of crisis. In the second round, the Syrian author Dima Albitar Kalaji (Wir machen das) and the Ukrainian artist Anna Scherbyna discussed resilience in the context of war and flight. Climate activist Jakob Blasel (Fridays for Future) and psychologist Magdalena Budziszewska (University of Warsaw) explored the question of the resilience of young generations in the face of an uncertain future. Via video link, author Siddhartha (Fireflies Intercultural Center) gave an insight into the debate in India, a country particularly affected by climate change. During the final discussion Alexandra Klatt (Berlin Design Week) addressed the question of the role that art and culture can play in promoting resilience processes. This international conference ended with an artistic highlight: a concert by pianist Aeham Ahmad, punctuated by readings from his autobiography.

Partners: Dialogues en humanité

Supported by: Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb); Nemetschek Stiftung