Forward Fest 26 — Yblin Román Escobar

Yblin Román Escobar

Yblin Román Escobar (Kolla descent) is a facilitator for the Securing Indigenous Peoples' Rights in the Green Economy (SIRGE) coalition on issues related to the transition to a European low-carbon economy. Yblin has a background in environmental sciences and a PhD in environmental toxicology. Together with Judith Kirton-Darling, Yblin 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

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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 11.11.11, 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