
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
The Law as a Battleground: The Do’s and Don’ts of Strategic Litigation
Strategic litigation is becoming a key lever for change. In this session, discover when a lawsuit can make a difference, which choices matter most, and which pitfalls to avoid.
Read more
Navigating Multilaterally in Geopolitical Turbulence
The world order is shifting at breakneck speed. New power blocs are gaining ground, the Global South is claiming its place, and old certainties are crumbling. What does this geopolitical acceleration mean for solidarity, power and justice — and for Europe’s role in a multipolar world?
Read more
Is it something to cry about or to laugh about?
Lectrr and Elisabeth Lucie Baeten explore how humor and satire can expose injustice without trivialising it. When does humor cut through the noise? Where is the cut the crap moment? A sharp, relatable and often hilarious look at the power of humor in times of polarisation and crisis.
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