A few words on the sessions
Re-think! Ideas Forum - 29 June 2022
Keynote Session: “Opening new paths in politics: radical municipalism in Barcelona and beyond”
In a rapidly changing world that is confronted with major shifts in economy, society and politics, people often feel left out of decision-making processes, a reality that puts democracy in many cases at risk. Citizens are increasingly looking for responses to their concerns at local level. However, local authorities are not always in position to address their demands. It is not always an issue of competences or funding but first and foremost a question of understanding of their role. Radical municipalism as it is practically implemented in more and more cities both across Europe and the globe delivers a necessary paradigm shift in the way politics are done at local level. Laura Roth will introduce in her keynote speech the basic principles of radical municipalism, drawing inter alia from her experience in the international committee of Barcelona En Comú, inspiring us to redefine the dynamics of local communities.
Panel Session: Dealing with the urban-rural divide
Concentration of population, power and opportunities in the big urban centers is a typical characteristic of Greece that poses a clear and multi-faceted urban-rural divide. The long financial crisis and the demographic challenge set the future perspectives of Greek rural areas at risk. Schools are closing, enterprises are shutting down, young families are moving to bigger cities. It is about time to strategically tackle this grim reality a priority, as these issues are clearly under the radar of the public debate. Why should the future of shrinking regions become a national priority? How is this a pan-European challenge? Which practices can inspire Greek regions and cities?
Panel Session: Paving the way for Energy Democracy
The Russian invasion to Ukraine brought Energy to the top of the international agenda. Security of energy supply along with the transition commitments are re-shaping national energy strategies. At the same time , the effect of the current energy prices crisis are visible as large numbers of households are overburdened every month. Greece, being among the EU Member States mostly affected by energy poverty, is reconsidering its delignitization plans and exploring its options to adapt its national energy mix and lower its dependency on Russian fossil gas. How can a green, just transition not be jeopardized? How can citizens be part of it, securing their right to energy? This panel aims at identifying the essential elements that could pave the way towards Energy Democracy in Greece.
Panel Session: Empowering open, inclusive communities
New social dynamics, new population groups, new needs. This is in a nutshell the new reality for communities around Greece that invites us to reconsider the way we live together. How can communities support each other. What is the role of local authorities? What kind of services are required to secure social cohesion? The panel aims at identifying how local authorities and communities can become fit to address the new reality as well as the structures that are necessary.