Public debate: Closing the gap: From activism and social engagement to politics

Описание: The relationship between civil society and social movements, on the one hand, and political actors on the other is often conflictual. Politicians are seen as perpetuating themselves without being able to address the demands of citizens for courageous choices, especially when radical change is needed toward democratic governance, transparency in public affairs, ecological economy and social justice.
After the Arab Spring and the social mobilizations against austerity and for the climate, politics are urgently requested to change. In this context, Med Dialogue for Rights and Equality Programme organized a public debate under the topic “Closing the gap: From activism and social engagement to politics” on February 1st, 2022 at “La Fábrica de Hielo” in Valencia (Spain). This debate aimed at reviewing experiences of reforming politics from society, looking at countries and cities on both shores of the Mediterranean and was organized in the framework of its 3rd Med Dialogue Leaders Bootcamp on “Developing critical thinking tools”.
The discussion panel gathered: Ms. Aroa Mira and Mr. Manuel Mata Gómez, members of the Corts Valencianes parliament, Mr. Igor Blaževič, Director of One World Festival, Ms. Nouran Elarabi, Researcher and CSO manager and Mr. Ibrahim Alfawal, Political activist and researcher. It was moderated by Ms. Viola Raheb, senior facilitator and Mr. Gianluca Solera, Med Dialogue programme team leader.
How the critical approach of activism can influence the institutional work and change institutions? What are the good and bad practices we can mention around the Mediterranean? Is it possible to imagine a common work and alliances between engaged groups and platforms from both shores to drive parties and elected representatives towards an agenda of rights, equality and sustainability? These are some of the questions this debate addressed.
This debate was organized in partnership with “Mediterranean Citizens´ Assembly Foundation” (FACM) and “La Fábrica de Hielo”.