Nic Balthazar

Nic Balthazar is a theater, television, and filmmaker (with internationally awarded feature films such as BEN X, TOT ALTIJD, and EVERYBODY HAPPY). As a Flemish environmental and climate activist, he has been working for nearly 20 years to raise awareness about climate change through documentaries, television programs like KLIMAATBETOOG, and video clips such as "The Big Ask" and "Dance for the Climate." His initiative SING FOR THE CLIMATE spread across 42 countries, for example. He is one of the founders of the Belgian KLIMAATZAAK (Climate Case) and produces documentaries on ecology, sustainability, and a better world with his own production company. The most recent, DUTY OF CARE, an internationally awarded documentary about climate litigation and the Dutch 'climate lawyer' Roger Cox, continues to travel around the world. In theater, he wrote and created highly successful productions like NIETS, NEELAND, and BADABOEM, which toured for multiple seasons and won awards as far as Berlin and New York. Together with Benjamin Van Bunderen Robberechts, Nic will be closing Forward Fest 24 and talk about For Rosa, a play that tells the true story of Benjamin and Rosa, the 15-year-old girl who lost her life in the 2021 flood disaster in the Ardennes, during a youth camp for those who wanted to change the world.

Closing session 'For Rosa', together with Benjamin Van Bunderen Robberechts

 

 

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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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Budget Myths Debunked

The public debate is dominated by narratives about runaway budgets, unsustainable social security, and sky-high taxes on labour. But what assumptions lie behind that discourse? And are they actually correct?

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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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Check the full program

Join the movement

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.

Who organizes Forward Fest?

Forward Fest is organized by 11.11.11ngo-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