Judith Kirton-Darling is General Secretary of industriAll Europe, representing manufacturing, mining and energy workers from 39 European countries.
She was formerly a Labour Member of the European Parliament for the North East of England (2014-20). Before entering parliament, she was active for 15 years within the Labour and trade union movement, notably she was elected Confederal Secretary at the European Trade Union Confederation in 2011.
Together with Yblin Román Escobar, Judith is hosting the session “Minerals for the Energy Transition: Win-Win or Extractivism 2.0?” This session explores the important and timely issue of how Europe’s shift to green energy is impacting the global demand for critical minerals and the social and environmental effects in the countries that supply them.
When: 11h00
Where: Bar zaal
Speaker(s): Yblin Román Escobar + Judith Kirton-Darling
What does innovation mean for our sector?
Innovation isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. Discover how mindset, collaboration and experimentation can boost impact, even in uncertain times.
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KEYNOTE: Maria Ressa
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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Security: From Fear to Freedom
Today, “safety” dominates the political discourse. Policy choices, budgets and alliances are increasingly built around it. But what does that mean for citizens and civil society? Should we go along with this dominant narrative?
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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.
Get your ticketsForward 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
