Eastern Europe: The Challenges of Modernization. International Conference, 7-8 October 2010. Eastern Europe is at a crossroads. The prospect of membership in western organization such as the European Union and NATO for the states in the region is fading while Russia is showing renewed interest in forging closer links with former Soviet states.
The shadow of past conflicts continues to hang over the region, posing the risk that internecine strife will reemerge in the future. Reconciliation between states, ethnic groups and actors in once totalitarian regimes in the region remains a very live issue.
The future economic and democratic model for the region is still unclear as undemocratic practices and corruption seem to be gaining the upper hand. Is the region moving towards a western style model as reformers would like or rather towards a set of hybrid regimes where authoritarian rulers and corrupt business people set national agendas?
The conference “Eastern Europe – The Challenge of Modernization” organized by the Villa Decius Association in cooperation with the Polish-Ukrainian Cooperation Foundation and Res Publica Nowa will provide an opportunity for European intellectuals and leaders from the region to discuss the various models of reconciliation and reform, and examine prospects for the future of the Eastern Partnership, a major EU initiative designed to spur reform in the region.
The conference will also become a platform for presenting these actors in public sphere for whom dialogue between cultures, religions and communities is not merely a political declaration but a real challenge, undertaken frequently within the existing political system. Organized since 2004, the Sergio Vieira de Mello Prize will have its special, 7th edition during the conference and will bring together those organizations and individuals who work for the realization of the ideals which Vieira de Mello has come to symbolize.
PROGRAMME
7 October 2010
9.00 – Registration of participants
9.15 – WELCOME ADDRESS: Danuta Glondys, Aleksander Koj
9.30 – OPENING LECTURE: Adam Rotfeld
11.00 – 13.00
DEBATE 1
MODELS FOR RECONCILIATION
Panel discussion with leaders of transformation on the various past models of reconciliation and reform. The aim will be to point out critical factors which have facilitated or slowed the processes of transition to a democratic state and the rebuilding civil society.
Speakers:
Janusz Onyszkiewicz
Stanislau Shushkevich
14.00-16.00
DEBATE 2
CAN THE EASTERN PARTNERSHIP UNDERPIN THE DEMOCRATIC TRANSFORMATION
OF THE REGION?
The debate will aim at examining the potential of the Eastern Partnership and prospects of democratic transformation of Eastern Europe.
Speakers:
George Tarkhan-Mouravi
Grzegorz Gromadzki
Jan Koehler
16.00
“THE SHADOW OF AN EMPIRE” – Introduction to the exhibition by Tadeusz Boruta
17.00
CEREMONY OF AWARDING THE SERGIO VIEIRA DE MELLO PRIZE
In 2003, the Villa Decius Association established the Sergio Vieira de Mello Prize, in honour of the past United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Since then The Prize has been awarded to a person and an organization for their active involvement in the peaceful coexistence and cooperation of communities, religions and denominations, and cultures.
8 October 2010
9.30-13.00
DEBATE 3
EXPERT ROUNDTABLE (by invitations only)
The debate will focus on three critical problems and issues which Eastern European countries face:
1.Eastern Europe’s Prospects: Integration with the EU or a New Division of the Continent?
2.Security Challenges Facing the Region.
3.Rapprochement with Russia and the Eastern Partnership – How to Deal with this Dilemma?
If you wish to participate contact Kinga Starzyk, kinga@villa.org.pl