Nobel Peace Prize laureate (2021). Time Person of the Year. Tireless defender of facts in an age of disinformation. Co-founder of Rappler, one of Southeast Asia’s most influential independent news outlets.
Ressa knows the frontline of democracy and press freedom like few others. She faced arrests, lawsuits and online troll armies because she kept doing what matters most: raising truth above power. As a former CNN journalist, award-winning author of How to Stand Up to a Dictator and professor at Columbia University, she explores how we can protect free societies in an online world that is rapidly polarising.
What can we learn from a woman who challenged dictators, holds tech giants accountable and refuses to be silenced? How do we build a digital future where facts win over falsehoods? And what role do we – citizens, journalists, activists and entrepreneurs – play in defending democracy?
An inspiring keynote not to be missed at Forward Fest.
UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Maria Ressa will unfortunately not be able to attend Forward Fest in person, but will join online and share the keynote session with Jasmine Malekzadem.
When: 9h30
Where: Studio 4
Language: English
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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Els Hertogen on the future of international solidarity
International solidarity in a world under high tension? This closing session brings together the core questions of Forward Fest 2026.
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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?
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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
