European Centre for Art, Culture and Science

Thursday September 11 2008 / Citizenship

I HAVE A DREAM… The future of Western democracy and civil society

While Western democracy is seen as an important export product by leaders of governments, more and more criticism of Western democracy can be heard, both internationally and from within. The importance of civil society in our society has been considered essential in the past. Democracy is much more than the freedom to vote. In contrast to what is often claimed, democracy is not only about the majority, but is above all about space for the minority. This is what makes democracy vulnerable. How do you make space for someone else when you consider that person to be a threat to democracy?

With Halleh Ghorashi, Chair of Management of Diversity and Integration, VU University Amsterdam.

I Have a Dream... is a joint initiative of Felix Meritis and MEXIT and consists of a series of  workshops during the afternoon followed by public lectures in the evening. The total programme will include a wrap-up session and a compilation of essays.
This edition is part of the Ramadan Festival.

Print

I Have a Dream... Halleh Ghorashi - 11 September 2008