Kultursymposium Weimar 2021 | 16 & 17 June

GENERATIONS

Young or old: who steers the destiny of the globe? The Goethe-Institut's Kultursymposium in Weimar raised the big question about generations. [...] The generation issue, that much is certain, will also be a matter of concern for future generations. (Deutsche Welle)

THIS WAS KSWE21

On 16 and 17 June 2021 the third edition of the Goethe-Institut’s Kultursymposium Weimar took place, this time with a thematic focus on »Generations«. Every two years, people from all over the world come together to attend this discursive festival for new networks and ideas. Due to the current pandemic, this edition of the symposium took place online, accompanied by selected projects in Weimar and at Goethe-Instituts worldwide.

What challenges arise as generations coexist together, what opportunities arise from looking back into the past, and what questions emerge for a sustainable future? As a global festival of knowledge, networking and artistic exchange the Kultursymposium Weimar 2021 addressed these pressing generational issues of our time.

From rapidly advancing climate change to tough political reforms, from vociferous protests for equal rights to the silent transfer of influence and wealth, from old stories and traditions to the longing for eternal youth: the topic of generations connects many debates and conflicts in our societies.

View all Speakers from 2021

Programme Highlights - Day1

UNKNOWN PATHWAYS

Interview with Jane Goodall

A young and an old man standing next to each other

GENERATIONS: A CLOSER LOOK

Discussion with Monika Bielskyte, Maryam Laushi, Robert Waldinger and Ranga Yogeshwar

A FATHER'S LULLABY

Interview with Rashin Fahandej

Daniel Wisser, Wolfgang Schäuble, Rayk Anders, Dana Grigorcea

Das Blaue Sofa Conversations about Generations and Literature

Interviews with Rayk Anders, Dana Grigorcea, Wolfgang Schäuble and Daniel Wisser

FUTURE LIBRARY

Interview with Katie Paterson and Anne Beate Hovind

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2099

Discussion with Rutger Bregman, Julia Watson and Björn Theis

View all contributions of 2021

Global Perspectives on Generations between 9 and 77 years
Generational Issues

Viele kleine Bilder von Menschen sind zu einem Mosaik zusammengefügt. Die Menschen unterscheiden sich in Alter, Herkunft und Geschlecht. Mit schwarzer Schrift und blauem Hintergrund steht Generationsfragen auf dem Bild. © Goethe-Institut / TAU

The Radio Programme
Generations.fm

Zwei Männer sitzen auf einer Bank, neben ihnen steht ein Radio. Auf dem Bild steht Generations.fm. mit schwarzem Schriftzug und blauem Hintergrund. © TAU

Programme Highlights - Day 2

Sign with writing "There is no Planet B" at a Fridays for Future demonstration

TEMPERATURE RISING

Discussion with Chlöe Swarbrick, Navroz K. Dubash and Tobias Reuss

A TOOTHLESS GRIN

Video artwork by Kristin Jakubek

NIGER & JAPAN

Interviews with Keisuke Otsu and Nouhou Abdoul Moumouni

INHERITED WOUNDS

Interview with Gabriela Fried Amilivia

HAIRCUTS & SOCIAL JUSTICE

Talk with Madin Lopez, Reeves Gift and Karen Tongson

Close-up of people from behind who are embracing each other, lettering love all over the place

CHANGING LOVE

Discussion with JJ Bola, Sima Taparia and Ruth Westheimer