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15
Oct
2022
 
1:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Join GEF at Ecopolis, our annual ecological festival where we bring together writers, academics, and civil society thinkers to discuss inspiring visions for a sustainable future. 

Context

“Thinking out of the box is exactly how the box thinks. We are the boxes we strive to out-think,” writes philosopher Bayo Akomolafe, speaker at the eighth edition of Ecopolis where artists, thinkers and doers break open our frames. Social, ecological, and economic crises force us to think about a radically different way of living. Can unheard stories help us change today’s reality? And not any stories, but the ones that link different generations, geographical areas that are far apart, or ancient knowledge and technology. Can activism as a form of love take us further than doomsday thinking? “The world is not about to end; we are already living with a different world,” Akomolafe continues. Ecopolis brings stories that depict an inclusive and sustainable future for this new world.

About the event

Ecopolis is the perfect occasion to meet people who care about a sustainable future. Because ecological challenges know no national or linguistic borders, Ecopolis is diverse, international and interactive space to learn, discuss and connect with like-minded individuals. 

The conference welcomes Belgian and international authors to debate the transition towards a socio-ecological society. Inspiring books, documentaries and debates between writers, academics and civil society thinkers about ecology, economy and society are at the heart of this event. 

Programme

Times

Sessions

13:30 – 15:30

Minority walk with Omar Fassi Fehri (EN/FR)

The Minority Walk is a tour of the Brussels city-centre to discover the public space of the capital, told through the lens of how the oppression of minority groups is still taking place in different ways.

13:30 – 15:45

The Brussels of witches: feminist guided walk (EN/FR)

In the 14th century, as we move out of the ‘dark’ Middle Ages and into the Modern Age and the Renaissance, women are plunged into darkness – or rather into the flames of the stake. What does our urban public space reveal about that time… and about witches today?

14:00 – 15:30

Workshop ‘Limits to Growth’ (NL/EN)

To keep our planet livable, we urgently need to rethink our way of living. In this workshop we will encounter inspiring voices from Latin America who show that another way of life is possible. A life in which ‘well-being’ is central instead of ‘growth.

Panel discussions and performance

16:00 – 18:00

Colonisation as exploitation of people and nature

In this panel discussion, writers and artists from various backgrounds will talk about decolonisation and explore  the many narratives that survived colonialism while offering alternatives.

18:00 – 20:00

Different jobs, one planet. Stories of strong commitment

Whatever your studies, whatever your job, there are always plenty of opportunities for strong commitment to creating a better world.

21:00 – 22:00

The environmental impact of war

War’s impact on humans as well as on nature and biodiversity is dramatic. Ecopolis will feature playwrights and performers Enkidu Khaled and Joachim Robbrecht in the premiere of their play on the impact of war on the environment. Their stories  point out the importance of peace for all forms of life on this planet.

Learn more here about the programme and speakers. 

Practicalities

When: Saturday, October 15th (16:00 – 22:00). There are several connected events taking place before the core programme. More details to follow. 

Where: Ancienne Belgique – Bd Anspach 110, 1000 Brussels, Belgium 

Language: The primary language of this event will be English, with simultaneous translation to French and Dutch. 

Tickets: Ecopolis employs a “pay as you can” principle, please purchase your tickets in advance via this link.  The “Walks & Workshops” are included in the Ecopolis ticket, but you must reserve your spot in advance by registering here.  

Related Events

This year, Ecopolis goes beyond one date and one location! To find out more about the other events in Brussels and Kortrijk, please check the event website.  

 

Reading material

Degrowth Is About Global Justice

Beyond the Growth Imperative

Is Degrowth the Future?

Transforming Work, Reimagining Education

Hooked on Growth: Rewiring Institutions for Wellbeing

Questioning Our Limits to Leave Scarcity Behind

Beyond the Choke Hold of Growth: Post-growth or Radical Degrowth?

The Long Fight for Environmental Justice in the Caribbean

The “White Saviour” Deal for Nature

Politics for Change: Black Lives Matter in Europe

The Politics of Representation in the Climate Movement

Why We Need a Decolonial Ecology

Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

The Environmental Cost of the War in Ukraine


This event is organised by the Green European Foundation and Oikos, with the support of various partners and with financial support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. 

 

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