In this talk, Albina Fetahaj sparks our radical imagination and invites us to look beyond violent border policies.
Instead of following dominant narratives, she flips the perspective: what happens when we stop treating borders as self-evident? When we refuse to reproduce dehumanising concepts and categories?
Albina explores how we can develop a new vocabulary for community, mobility, and justice. A language that no longer reinforces a colonial order, but illuminates new possibilities.
When: 10h45
Where: Studio 1
Language: English
KEYNOTE: Maria Ressa (digital)
She challenged dictators, exposed disinformation and defended truth at the risk of her own freedom. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa is coming to Forward Fest. Be inspired by her fight for democracy in a world of digital chaos.
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Towards a Just Digital Future for All
From AI to platforms, digital technology is the result of political choices. Taking a global perspective, we explore what this means for rights, inequality, and international solidarity.
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The Battle Over Gender
Gender has become a political battleground. Anti-gender movements are gaining ground worldwide and increasingly appropriating progressive language. In this session, çavaria shows how these strategies work.
Read more
Forward Fest 2024 invites you to join the conversation, share your perspective, and collaborate with others to build a future that is fair, inclusive, and interconnected. Explore, learn, and contribute to the change our world needs.
LEARN, SHARE, INSPIRE
Prepare for a day filled with inspiring lectures, surprising workshops, and professional connections that will not only stimulate your thinking but also touch your heart. This is your chance to learn from leading thinkers, network with like-minded individuals, and actively contribute to a more just world.
You will soon be able to register for Forward Fest 2026 here.
Forward Fest is organized by 11.11.11, ngo-federation and VLIRUOS in collaboration with MO* with the support of Belgian development cooperation.
11.11.11
THE COALITION FOR INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY.
11.11.11 aims to eradicate exploitation from the world. Everyone – anywhere in the world – has the right to a dignified existence. To truly make a change, power and resources must be distributed more fairly, and the current system must be questioned.
More info on 11.be
NGO-FEDERATIE
FLEMISH FEDERATION OF NGOS FOR DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION.
The ngo-federation represents its members to the federal and other governments, supports the members in their discussions with those governments, promotes cooperation within the sector, and strengthens the quality of NGOs’ operations.
More info on ngo-federatie.be
VLIRUOS
INNOVATIVE RESPONSES TO GLOBAL AND LOCAL CHALLENGES
VLIRUOS supports partnerships and scholarships between universities and colleges in both Flanders and the Global South, seeking innovative solutions for global as well as local challenges.
More info on vliruos.be
