It almost seems as if there is no end to the major global challenges that we face, including global warming, growing gaps between the rich and the poor, emissions, new diseases, lack of clean water, human rights violations, gender inequality, and much more.
On the other hand, we see glimpses of hope: global growth, with several countries transitioning to middle-income status, reduced infant mortality, longer life expectancy and strong technological development that can provide solutions to the global problems we face. But will this be enough? And what kind of world are we leaving behind for future generations?
Leading researchers from Lund and other parts of the world have been invited to provide their views on where the world is heading. Representatives from organisations and public authorities will also be in attendance. The perspectives will vary – from economics and social science to culture and philosophy.
The week will begin with a public opening on 5 March and followed by two flagship symposia on 7 March. The first symposium covers gender justice in diplomacy and peace negotiations with Margot Wallström, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, and other speakers. The afternoon symposium covers disasters and risk in our past and future, and includes speakers such as Margareta Wahlström, former Assistant Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, UN and Sara Myrdal, Head of EU and International Affairs at the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB).
The rest of the week will be a mixture of open lectures on the theme, a special day dedicated to upper-secondary school students, popular science talks covering climate change and water, a debate on war, extremism and development in Africa and the Middle East. On 8 March the university will highlight International Women’s Day with a special event that discusses how far Sweden has come towards achieving its national goals on gender equality.
Other speakers include: Joshua Goldstein, Professor of International Relations at the University of Massachusetts and the American University in DC; Carlota Perez, researcher from the London School of Economics; Martha Nussbaum, Professor of Law and Ethics at the University of Chicago, and author of the recently published book “Anger and Forgiveness”; and James Robinson, researcher in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Chicago.
The two main symposia on Tuesday 7 March will be live-streamed here.