What does it really mean to be safe? Is safety merely the absence of war and violence or does it also include a livable planet, freedom of expression, and the assurance that no one is left behind?
Today, “security” dominates political discourse. Policy choices, budgets, and alliances are increasingly built around it. But what does this mean for citizens and for civil society? Should we go along with this dominant narrative? Could it even help connect and mobilize people in the fight against the climate crisis, social inequality, or the shrinking of civic space? Or does “security” risk being narrowed down to fear, exclusion, and further militarization?
In this session, we challenge ourselves – and the audience – to look at security anew. We explore questions such as:
Let yourself be inspired to redefine the concept of security, not from fear, but from freedom and connection.
When: 13h15
Where: Studio 5
Language: English
Dr. Özge Tunçalp is a medical doctor and epidemiologist, and since 1 January 2025 Director of the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM). She worked for many years at the World Health Organization, where she led internationally leading research on antenatal care, quality of care, and maternal health. For her global impact, she received the Maternal Health Visionary Award from Harvard.
Katy Wiese is Policy Manager for Economic Transition and Gender Equality at the European Environmental Bureau. She has a background in environmental sciences and has worked on renewable energy projects in Africa and on social impact research in Europe. Her expertise lies at the intersection of gender equality and environmental policy, with a focus on both Europe and the Global South.
Nils Duquet is Director of the Flemish Peace Institute. Since 2006, he has conducted research on illicit arms trafficking, firearm violence, and export controls of strategic goods. He has published more than 70 academic and policy-oriented studies and coordinated large-scale European research on firearms trafficking and violence.
Annelies Van Erp is Press & Communications Manager at Search for Common Ground. She specializes in strategic communication on peace, conflict, and dialogue, and moderates discussions on international cooperation and conflict transformation.
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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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.
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Authoritarian regimes: stay engaged or retreat?
In a world where conflicts are increasing and authoritarian regimes dominate, international engagement is under pressure. This session explores how Belgium and the EU can remain engaged where civic space is shrinking and what choices that requires today
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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
