Paradise concepts in politics, economics and society are the focus of the European Tolerance Talks 2018, which will take place during the Whitsun week from 16 to 19 May in Villach and Fresach. Over 40 authors and thinkers, scientists and cultural workers will discuss ways out of Europe’s current media-political crisis of meaning. This year’s program will open with the special exhibition “Paradise Lost – From Traveling, Believing and Searching” in the Protestant Museum Fresach (April 28). Registrations are still possible. The 2018 theme fits in seamlessly with the discussions of recent years. “We measured the tolerance in our society, the borders of Europe and the future of freedom. Now it’s about showing what we could lose if we are not careful,” said former MEP Hannes Swoboda at the presentation of the 2018 program in Vienna. “We see a new longing for Europe, and many questions about the lost paradise. In Villach and Fresach, we want to give room to those voices who are concerned about the future orientation of Europe and the threatened diversity.” Among the speakers in 2018 are the Turkish-German author Dogan Akhanli, the Hamburg futurologist Birgit Gebhardt, the Swiss human rights lawyer Christoph Good, the Austrian philosopher Wolfgang Müller-Funk and the well-known German Orientalist Gerhard Schweizer, National Bank President Claus Raidl and the TV presenter Franz Alt, as well as the Berlin Political scientist Sabine Riedel and Iranian artist Mitra Shahmoradi, Africa entrepreneur Hans Stoisser and space explorer Bruno Besser. Overview of the program May 16, 2018 – Villach (Paradise Day) 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. “Love Tour 18” in the Great Bamberg Hall of the former Park Hotel with 200 students 1.30 – 5.30 p.m. Paradise Day – Tourism Forum on the Limits of Growth (Hotel Holiday Inn) 5 p.m. Press forum (until 7 pm) – Press reception (from 7 pm) May 17, 2018 – Fresach (Human Rights Day) 9 – 12 a.m. Opening with Dogan Akhanli and afterwards Citizen’s Dialogue (Paradise Search in Europe) 2 – 10 p.m. Lectures, Discussion Panels, Literary Interventions, Gypsy Music Concert May 18, 2018 – Fresach (Founders Day) 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Entrepreneurs Day: Future Earth: Good news or lost paradise. 8 p.m. Young Poetry Slam: Lost & Found: My Paradise. May 19, 2018 – Fresach (Morning Talk) 8.30 a.m. Conclusion in discussions with speakers Registrations here
