Civil Society Week: Strengthening Cohesion and Participation in Polarised Societies
In recent years, overlapping crises – from the lingering effects of the pandemic to the escalating challenges of climate change, increasing living costs, and widening income disparities – have created fertile ground for widespread polarisation. Social instability, economic downturns and widespread discontent, particularly among those who feel unheard and left behind, have further deepened societal divisions.
To address these pressing concerns, Civil Society Week 2025 will gather a diverse range of civil society stakeholders from Europe and beyond, providing a unique platform to engage in critical debates, share best practices, and collaborate to develop solutions that foster social cohesion and strengthen democratic engagement.
Culture Action Europe will be participating in the panel, “Reconnecting Polarised Societies through Community Learning and Citizenship Education.”
As civil society actors, how can we harness the power of civic and citizenship education to address polarisation? Should education be the main tool for bridging societal divides, or does it need to be part of a broader approach? What makes a community learning environment truly effective in fostering democratic values?
Europe’s future lies in the hands of its people. Through lifelong and non-formal learning, community education, and citizenship education, we can build bridges, strengthen understanding, and empower individuals to shape a more inclusive society.