Is technology bringing us what it promised, i.e. less work and more time and space for ourselves? Or is it overwhelming us with new difficulties from which we need to find new paths to freedom? Matthias Sinnemann, from the University of Bochum, explores the work of modern, virtual or 'remote' work teams that are composed of people from around the world and connected online. We will debate with him whether shorter working hours and a four-day working week are the answer and what impact such measures can have on productivity and the quality of work and personal life.
We’ll also find out what the advantages and disadvantages of these models are and present practical experiments along with their implementation. In addition, we’ll map out the key factors that can accelerate the transition to new models, as well as the barriers that have prevented it thus far.
I'm just a citizen who's angry about what's happening to our forests...
From morning yoga and its connection with roots, Sunday will be themed around the spirit of the forest, its unsuspected abilities and inspirations. In the face of climate change, we are all well aware of the virtues and crucial role of forest ecosystems. But the forest is also a kind of natural "inspiration forum" – a plethora of inspirations for humans and society, which is in itself an ecosystem striving for stability.
It is just such inspiration that the unorthodox Slovak forest conservationist, Juraj Lukáč, seeks. Juraj founded the forest conservation association VLK more than thirty years ago and he calls himself "a normal citizen who is angry about what’s happening to our forests" rather than an activist. Apart from his years of experience and inspiring activities in forest protection, his life story will undoubtedly be worth listening to: how can an electrical engineer become one of the most prominent conservationists?
Embroidering against dictators
On Friday, renowned microbiologist Monika Cahová will present the most up-to-date knowledge on what the microbiome is. What do we actually know about this "newly discovered organ"? What remains to be discovered? And who is successfully profiting from this increasingly popular buzzword?
On Saturday, the Forum will tackle one of the most serious issues of our time. Last year marked the highest number of internal wars since 1946, and the last three years have been the most violent in three decades. With 59 wars, 2023 was one of the most violent since the end of the Cold War. Starting with Putin's invasion, war has also returned to Europe, and Hamas’ terrorist attacks and Israel's retaliatory war have divided public opinion in European countries with no less force. Where women and vulnerable groups stand in these conflicts and what they can bring to the search for new paths to peace will be discussed by Siri Aas Rustad, a researcher at the Norwegian Peace Research Institute.
An unconventional view of war awaits us. In the words of architect Adolf Loos, is ornament a crime? Thanks to Belarusian anti-regime artist Rufina Bazlova, you can learn to embroider not only for decoration, but above all against war, dictators and oppression of all kinds. Everyone will get the opportunity to create their own embroidery of solidarity. The author will also share her personal experience in the country of "Europe's last dictator" Lukashenko, including other stories of courage of political prisoners in her home country.
Also making a special appearance this year will be Palestinian journalist, producer and filmmaker living in Gaza, Ruwaida Kamal Amer. The former science teacher has remained in Gaza with her family since the outbreak of the war, reporting on the ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on civilians. For the past eight years, she has worked as an independent producer and filmmaker, with content appearing on a range of global media outlets such as Al Jazeera English, Euronews and ABC News. She writes regularly for +972 Magazine about the daily realities of life in besieged Gaza and the humanitarian crisis while highlighting stories often overlooked by the mainstream media. Her personal and journalistic testimony will now be more relevant than ever.