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The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung at the European Forum Alpbach 2022

by Dr. Hardy Ostry, Isabell Wiesner

“The European Office goes Alpbach”

After two eventful years with a hybrid format due to the pandemic, there was plenty to discuss at this year's European Forum Alpbach. The war in Ukraine, energy security, climate protection, social justice, the future of democracy and the rule of law, and the role of Europe in a globalized world were just some of the aspects that moved the Forum’s visitors. During the conference week from August 22 to 25, 2022, lectures, workshops, events and discussions dealt with a wide range of European policy issues in order to jointly seek solutions to the challenges Europe is currently facing. The diversity of the guests and not least the opportunity to meet again in person enabled a lively exchange from the most diverse perspectives.

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In addition to the diversity of events organized by the Forum, which were characterized by high-ranking and inspiring guests, the European Office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation organized three events together with the Political Academy of the People's Party in order to debate in a small circle. Especially in times when one crisis seems to chase the next, social cohesion in society is of particular importance. Yet today there is increasing talk of a division in our society. The many crises of the present have led to polarization. Trust in established parties has been shaken, and identity politics exclude parts of society from the discourse. For this reason, the European Office and the Political Academy organized a conference on Thursday, August 24, which focused on how to strengthen social cohesion and what holds us together as a society in times of crisis.

 

During the event, the contributions of three inspiring speakers made for an exciting discussion due to their sometimes controversial views. Shalini Randeria, President and Rector of Central European University, presented a non-Eurocentric perspective, analyzing the differences within different social groups and how these lead to different opportunities and privileges and thus inequalities. David Goodhart, journalist and author of the book “The Road to Somewhere”, explained how different social groups perceive the globalized world differently based on their origin, identity and social status, and how this can lead to phenomena such as populism and support for right-wing politics. According to Randeria, Goodhart's model applies mainly to European or British society and ignores other factors that determine people's social mobility. Another interesting perspective was provided by Bettina Rausch, who, based on her experience as a member of the Austrian parliament, was able to provide a valuable political perspective on democracy and cohesion in society and the role of parliaments in this context. The presentations were followed by a discussion in three working groups, each moderated by a speaker. The participants took an active part and brought many interesting aspects to the discussion. They shared their experiences with the challenges of social justice and what they believe can and must be done to strengthen social cohesion.

 

Looking back, it was a very successful conference where speakers and participants learned from each other, took home new food for thought and how to contribute to a functioning society themselves. We would like to thank our partner, the Political Academy, the speakers and all participants who enriched the conference with their interest and ideas. The forum offered all participants a valuable space to get in touch with other people, to exchange ideas and to shape the future of Europe together; because the European project lives from the participation of its citizens. In the coming year, the European Office will continue to support this project and make its contribution to a functioning Europe.

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