Lisbon Forum 2022
On 13 December 2022, experts, activists and decision-makers will meet for the 28th edition of the Lisbon Forum to discuss the state of play of international co-operation. It will be an opportunity to assess the impact of the different crises such as the war in Ukraine, and the new geopolitical set-up on the North-South dialogue and the protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in fragile contexts. A particular focus will be given to the role of young people in addressing global issues and how to give them space in decision-making processes.
The event aims at raising awareness in northern and southern societies on how to preserve international co-operation and dialogue on issues of interdependence in the context of war, and hopefully to reaching a set of recommendations that can be of value to the stakeholders concerned.
overview
The aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is a violation of the UN Charter and has major global implications and represents a turning point in international relations. Not only has it led to a dramatic humanitarian crisis and major population movements across Europe, it also marks the end of the post-cold war era and of a world order based on the principles of peace, international co-operation and consensual rules.
Multilateralism is giving way to a more polarised world. National interests are increasingly defined in terms of security and power, rather than in terms of co-operation and growth, while geo-economics is being subdued by geo-politics. Will there be a shift from an international rule-based system to a power system? From open and interdependent societies to inward-looking nationalistic views?
Do repeated crises have a weary effect on international mobilisation for peace? How can organisations and actors that continue to raise their voice for peace, co-operation, and solidarity be more impactful in such fragile contexts?
These questions represent an overview of the many topics to be discussed during this year’s Lisbon Forum.
Read the concept note
sessions
Session 1
The war in Ukraine is adding pressure to multilateralism and challenging international co-operation in a wide range of areas such as migration, refugee flows, health, hunger, the fight against climate change or the digital transition. Its economic impact is also contributing to the deepening of inequalities worldwide.
The keynote speech will explore mechanisms to overcome political antagonisms and ways in which organisations can empower those raising their voices for peace, co-operation and solidarity in such fragile contexts.
Session 2
Over the last decades there was a common will to develop North-South relations in the Mediterranean basin with the aim to turn it into an area of dialogue and exchange, guaranteeing peace, stability and prosperity. European and Mediterranean partners designed strategies to act together in partnership, recognising their growing interdependence.
This regional integration agenda suffered many setbacks along the years and despite many positive developments, the region is still in turmoil.
This session intends to highlight the lessons learned from new partnerships and will look at the cornerstones that need protection to mitigate the impact of the current crisis on North-South relations.
Session 3
The disruptions and repercussions of the recent global crisis and other ongoing conflicts should not derail efforts towards upholding international commitments and protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Conflict, post-conflict and, generally speaking, fragile contexts tend to undermine and threaten the upholding and protection of those values.
This session will examine how to pave the way to build and/or restore peaceful and inclusive societies and to protect human rights and democracy in fragile contexts.
Session 4
Young people not only need to be equipped to thrive in a complex world, but they also need to be involved in the mechanisms and channels that converge and cooperate globally for a better future for all.
This session will discuss the relevance of education systems for learners to engage with the world as empowered global citizens, but also the role of youth as peacebuilding agents.