Jasmine Malekzadem is a lawyer, lecturer and opinion writer, and a sharp voice in the public debate on justice, diversity and the role of law in a changing society. She writes opinion pieces for outlets including De Standaard, Knack and De Tijd, and is involved in various social initiatives. Drawing on her Iranian roots, she also closely follows the debate around protest movements in Iran and speaks out on broader questions of resistance, justice and restoration in societies confronted with authoritarian repression.
At Forward Fest she will share the stage with Nobel Prize laureate Maria Ressa in a joint keynote on democracy under pressure. After an opening intervention by Maria Ressa, Jasmine Malekzadem will present her perspective on protest, civil resistance and international solidarity. The two speakers will then enter into conversation, moderated by Dalilla Hermans, about how citizens and movements organize themselves in times of increasing authoritarian pressure.
When: 9:30 AM
Where: Studio 4
Language: English
Europe’s industrial renaissance: cooperation or zero-sum game?
Europe is redrawing its industrial policy. Will this renaissance drive the Green Deal and a just transition—or fuel a zero-sum race that deepens inequality? Join us to explore who stands to gain, who risks losing, and which choices matter most.
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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.
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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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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
