Crisis management and democracy: Open discussion evening in Cottbus!

Crisis management and democracy: Open discussion evening in Cottbus!

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, a lecture and discussion evening will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Audimax 1 of the Brandenburg Technical University Cottbus-Senftenberg. The event, which is organized by the Akademieforum Cottbus e.V. in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, has the motto “Crisis management, hope in difficult times and democratic values”. Admission is free and no prior registration is required, which is intended to encourage widespread participation. The prominent speakers, Gesine Schwan and Holger Zaborowski, will be moderated by Thomas Besch, qualified theologian and provost of the Catholic Provost's Office in Cottbus. The “Open BTU” lecture series runs until July 2, 2025 and covers various topics such as biodiversity, biodiversity protection and the challenges of democracy in times of crisis. This series aims to support lifelong learning and promote knowledge sharing in the region. After each lecture there will be an opportunity for questions and discussions intended to stimulate dialogue between speakers and audience. For further information about the lecture series, please contact BTU be called.

The issue of democratic values ​​is more relevant than ever, especially at a time when social divisions are growing and democratic principles are under pressure worldwide. A central concern of current educational discourse is the promotion of knowledge and skills that are necessary for active participation in democratic processes. Educational institutions play a crucial role in not only imparting knowledge to students but also instilling values ​​such as tolerance and respect. Teaching materials that cover topics such as racism, anti-Semitism and antigypsyism, among others, support teachers in raising awareness of discrimination and promoting respectful interaction. bpb addresses the need for value discourse and active exchange in schools and other educational institutions in the context of current political developments.

Value discourses and dealing with challenges

In a world marked by extremist threats and identity crises, the exchange of democratic values ​​is more urgent than ever. This year's conference entitled “Democracy and the Controversy over Values” brought together over 350 participants who addressed these challenging topics. The event underlined the importance of encouraging young people to think independently and to actively shape their surroundings from primary school onwards. Through teacher training and the exchange of theory and practice, the aim is to expand the educational horizon and create an understanding that values ​​should not be understood as dogmatic commitments, but rather as individual achievements, as Roland Henke emphasizes in his materials.

In addition, the inclusion of democracy promotion in vocational and adult education is central to ensuring comprehensive social cohesion. Universities are called upon to design participatory processes and actively promote dialogue about democratic values. Events like the lecture evening at the BTU help to support this commitment and promote exchange in the community. Further information about democracy education and what it offers can be found on the Education server available and contribute to enlightenment and inspiration on this important topic.