What keeps our society together?

The gap between the rich and the poor also opens up in Germany. Political, economic and social contradictions collide and endanger social cohesion in our modern society. Although this cohesion is of such great importance for the stability of a community and democracy. The ZEIT Foundation Ebelin and Gerd Bucerius and the Veranstaltungsforum Holtzbrinck Publishing Group will address this issue with the series of events "What keeps our society together?". The series of events started in 2017.

Topic "Living together. How much activism does society need?"

Activists and social movements took a significant influence the younger German history and the development of society and the economy. New concepts of shared economy and “common weal economy” are challenging the common ideals of the economy. How does activism effect society and economy? How important are active citizens and activistc movements for the society and where are their limits?

Podiumsgäste:

• Dr. Sebastian Haunss, Head of research group "social conflicts", SOCIUM, Bremen University 
• Liza Pflaum, activist, initiative "Seebrücke" (Seabridge)
• Dr. Sebastian Stricker, Founder and CEO, share GmbH

Moderation: Evelyn Seibert, Korrespondentin SWR, ARD-Hauptstadtstudio

Topic "Living together. New strategies and opportunities for the cities" - 5 December 2018

The population of the cities is growing. The use and optimization of the available space is therefore becoming increasingly important. Concepts such as that of the "smart city" are intended to make cities more participative, and thus more sustainable and liveable.But how do you best meet the requirements of urban conurbations? What can architecture and urban planning do to meet the growing demand for quality of stay in public spaces? Which "spaces" for the coexistence of the people and the social cohesion we need?

Panelists: 

• Prof. Simon Günther, Faculty of Architecture and Spatial Planning, Vienna University of Technology
• Dr. Julia Jarass, Institute of Transport Research, German Aerospace Center (DLR)
• Prof. Regine Leibinger, architect, Barkow Leibinger Berlin, memberof the board of trustees of the IBA 2027 StadtRegion Stuttgart
• Van Bo Le-Mentzel, architect, founder of the association Tiny House University and winner of the 2015 ZEIT Knowledge Prize - Courage for Sustainability

Moderation: Evelyn Seibert, correspondent SWR, ARD-Hauptstadtstudio

Topic "Identitiy and Identification. Heimat in Transition" - 10 October 2018

A joint homeland does unite us. But what are we talking about when discussing homeland and identification? Is it a geographical area or is it a feeling? Can we find an all of society agreed definition for "Heimat" when the term is strongly linked to personal sentiments and how important is a shared understanding of identity for the cohesion of society?

Panelists

• Dr. Reiner Haseloff, Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt 
• Sharon Dodua Otoo, mother, authoress and activist of Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Deutschland e.V. (Initiative Black People in Germany)
• Prof. Dr. Jule Specht, Institute for Psychology, Humboldt University Berlin

Moderation: Till Nassif, TV-Moderator

Topic "The Language of Music. Inclusive or Exclusive?", 16 May 2018

Music is an important "place" of meeting, interacting, understanding and listening, mostly together with other people. How inclusive or exclusive can music be? What impact does the importance of music, artists and their works have on the cohesion of a society? 

Michael Barenboim, violinist and head of the department for chamber music, Edward-Said Academy
Stefan Schmidt, pianist and head of the Straßenchor Berlin e.V.Berlin)
Sooke, Rap Musician

Moderation: Nadine Kreutzer, journalist

Topic "Attitude and Firmness. Tomorrow's or Yesterday's Qualities?" - 31 January 2018

Society as a whole needs nurturing, but can this be implemented in a society with strong individual characters and their interests? We also want to investigate the question of violence in society and what joint connective forces exist that can counteract violence - be it verbal or physical.

Panelists

Titus Dittmann, social entrepreneur and founder skate-aid
Gyde Jensen, youngest female member of the German Bundestag
Prof. Dr. Norbert Lammert, former president of the German Bundestag and chairman of the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation

Moderation: Evelyn Seibert, Correspondent SWR of ARD-Hauptstadtstudio

Topics 2017

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