7^th UNESCO MOST Winter School: 24^th – 28^th February 2025, Kőszeg, Hungary

Bridging the Paradigm Shift: Governance, Technology, Ecology and Society

The 7^th UNESCO MOST Winter School focuses on the intersections between art and science, and the multifaceted dimensions of security, governance, technology, ecology, and society. Organised by the Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg (iASK) in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair for Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainability, Bibó István College for Advanced Studies of ELTE University, the University of Pannonia and the Institute for Social and European Studies Foundation (ISES), with the support of the Hungarian National Commission for UNESCO this event brings together scholars, master’s and PhD students, and professionals together.  Through lectures, debates, creative workshops, gastronomic and cultural programs, the school aims to provide an interactive educational experience and promote transdisciplinary collaboration and co-creation towards resilient and inclusive futures.

The discussions at the 7^th UNESCO MOST Winter School will revolve around the following topics:

• Transformative Technologies and Human Civilization: Conflict Dynamics and Science Diplomacy: How are transformative technologies reshaping the landscape of global power and diplomacy? Can science diplomacy mitigate and bridge conflicts and harness technology for equitable global progress?
• Global and Regional Governance – Military (state) vs Human Security: Addressing issues of justice, equality, and security, how can more inclusive frameworks and collaborative governance navigate complex crises and foster resilient, equitable societies and facilitate a more stable global order?
• Cultural Heritage Across Borders: New Ways towards Self-Understanding: From intangible cultural expressions to historic sites, the preservation and evolution of heritage across borders raise important questions about authenticity, inclusivity, and adaptability How can we balance preserving local identities and fostering a sense of shared global heritage.
• Memory as a Political Tool – From Identity and Populism to Pathways for Reconciliation: What is the role of memory politics in shaping political agendas across the Balkans, from fuelling populist and identity-based movements to fostering reconciliation efforts? How does collective memory influence current political landscapes?
• New Approaches in Ecological Design: How can we design environments that align with natural ecosystems and foster deeper human-environment connections? How can we move beyond sustainability toward more holistic, future-focused and adaptive practices?
• Political, Cultural, and Ethical Dimensions of AI and Robotics: As AI and robotics rapidly reshape societies, where is human agency in this new constellation of powers? How does AI both bridge and deepen divides, and how might it redefine fairness in a technologically driven society?
• Environmental Humanities: How can we better understand the complex relationships between humans, culture, and the natural world? Where do the arts, history, philosophy, and social sciences intersect to address ecological perspectives on contemporary issues?
• Post-War Life: New International Legal Frameworks for a Lasting Peace: How are cultural and generational rights recognized and protected across diverse legal systems? What are the challenges and opportunities in adapting international laws to respect cultural differences while addressing universal human rights?
• Creativity, Sustainability and Responsibility: Scenarios of Global Future

Cultural program:

• City tours: cultural heritage of Kőszeg
• Gastronomy: local wine and chocolate tasting
• Music performances
• Art exhibitions
• Art and design workshops

All events, discussions, lectures will be held in English!

Application deadline:

February 1st, 2025

Applicants should fill out this APPLICATION FORM: 7th UNESCO MOST Winter School 2025 Students Application deadline: February 1st, 2025 send the following documents to [email protected]

 

• • completed IWS Application Form

• • CV

• • motivation letter

Certificates and ECTS credits will be awarded for those who have completed the program.

PROGRAM

Monday, February 24

9:30 am – 10:00 am Registration and coffee

10:00 am – 10:45 am Welcome Speeches:

• Gábor Soós, Secretary-General, Hungarian National Commission for UNESCO
• Béla Básthy, The Mayor of Kőszeg
• Ferenc Miszlivetz, Director of the Institute of Advanced Studies Kőszeg

10:45 am – 11:00 am Keynote: Tshilidzi Marwala (Rector of the United Nations University; Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations) – TBC

11:00 am – 11:15 am keynote: Xiaomeng Shen (Vice-Rector of the United Nations University for Europe and Director of UNU-EHS) – TBC

11:15 am – 1:15 pm Panel:

Paradigm Shifts in an Era of Escalation: Transformative Technologies, Conflict Dynamics, and Science Diplomacy

In a world marked by the rapid escalation of geopolitical conflicts and unprecedented technological advancements, humanity stands at a crossroads demanding innovative paradigms for governance and collaboration. This panel explores how transformative technologies are reshaping the landscape of global power and diplomacy. This discussion aims to uncover the potential of science diplomacy as a bridge to mitigate conflicts and harness technology for equitable global progress.

Chair: János Bogárdi (iASK, University of Bonn and Ludovika University of Public Service, Hungary)

Invited keynote speakers:

• Invited keynote speakers:

  Gabriela Ramos, (Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO) –  keynote speech – TBC

  Tibor Tóth Executive Secretary Emeritus, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO PC) – TBC

Invited panelists:

• Norbert Kroó (Hungarian Academy of Sciences)
• Péter Dombi (Wigner Research Centre for Physics, Hungary)
• Szabolcs Márka (Columbia University, USA)
• Daniel Brooks (iASK, University of Toronto, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and at the Linnaean Society of London, Canada)
• Jody Jensen (iASK, Hungary)
• Emil Brix (Diplomatic Academy, Austria)

1:15 – 2:15 pm Lunch break

2:15 pm – 4: 15 pm Panel: Forging Global Peace and Security: Governance, Justice, and Equality in a Turbulent World

This panel examines the interconnected challenges of achieving global peace, justice, and security amidst geopolitical upheavals and evolving governance structures. By addressing the dimensions of justice, equality, and security, the discussion explores how inclusive frameworks and collaborative governance can navigate complex crises and foster resilient, equitable societies. Experts will debate innovative solutions to bridge divides and build a more just and secure global order.

Chair: Ferenc Miszlivetz (iASK, Hungary)

Invited keynote speaker:

• Francesca Albanese (UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories) – TBC

Invited panelists:

• Heinz Gärtner (Lecturer at the University of Vienna, Chair of the IIP Advisory Board) – TBC
• Miklós Király (ELTE, Hungary)
• Andrew Ryder (ELTE Faculty of Social Sciences, Hungary)

4:15 pm 5:00 pm Coffee break and networking

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Music performance

7:00 pm Dinner Reception

 

Tuesday, February 25

10:00 am – 12:00 pm Panel:

Global Intersections: Evolving and Preserving Cultural Heritage Across Borders

Cultural heritage is continuously reshaped by cross-border interactions, digital sharing, and evolving identities. From intangible cultural expressions to historic sites, the preservation and evolution of heritage across borders raise important questions about authenticity, inclusivity, and adaptability. This dialogue encourages reflection on the balance between preserving local identities and fostering a sense of shared global heritage.

Chair: Anikó Magasházi (iASK, Hungary)

Participants:

• Tamás Fejerdy (iASK, UNESCO ICOMOS, Hungary)
• Cornelius Holtorf (UNESCO Chair of Heritage Futures, Linnaeus University, Sweden)
• Gábor Soós (UNESCO, Hungary)
• Anna Zeichner (ICCROM)

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Lunch Break

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Panel EU-Balkan Observatory

This panel examines the evolving landscape of Central and Southeastern Europe, focusing on the politics of memory, the challenges of EU integration, and urgent environmental issues. Discussions will center on how these forces are reshaping the regions, highlighting the interplay between historical legacies, contemporary policy dilemmas, and future-oriented strategies. By exploring these dynamics, the panel aims to provide fresh insights into the region’s shifting identity and its role within a rapidly changing global context.

Chair: Jody Jensen (iASK, Hungary)

Participants:

• Franz Graf (IWM, Vienna)
• Elira Luli (iASK, Luarasi University, Albania)
• Rubin Zemon (Institute of Advanced Research, North Macedonia)
• Dzenita Siljak (iASK, Hungary)
• Caleb Waugh (Aktiv, Kosovo)

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Panel Art, Creativity, and the Future: Exploring New Horizons

This panel examines how art and creativity contribute to envisioning the future, offering fresh perspectives on contemporary challenges. Participants will reflect on the transformative potential of artistic practices in rethinking possibilities and fostering dialogue across disciplines. How can art and creativity offer new perspectives on addressing the uncertainties of the future? In what ways can artistic practices inspire collaboration and innovation for a better tomorrow?

Participants:

• Illan Chabay (University of Arizona, USA) – video presentation
• David Maggs (Metcalf Foundation, Canada)
• András Nagy (University of Pannonia, Hungary)

5:30 pm – 5:45 pm Piano performance by David Maggs

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Wine tasting

 

Wednesday, February 26

10:00 am – 12:00 Panel: Frontiers of Technology: Political, Cultural, and Ethical Dimensions of AI and Robotics

As AI and robotics rapidly reshape societies, their influence extends into politics, social systems, and even armed conflicts, raising critical questions about human agency in this new constellation of powers. Participants will examine how AI and robotics can both bridge and deepen divides, challenging us to consider whose interests they serve and how they may redefine fairness in a technologically driven society.

Chair: Ivana Stepanovic (iASK, Hungary)

Participants:

• David Daou (UNU-EHS, Germany)
• Jakab Roland (Chief Executive Officer of HUN-REN, President of MI Koalicio, Hungary)
• Zsuzsanna Márka (Columbia University, USA)
• Attila Tanyi (University of Tromsø, Norway)

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch break

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm –Environmental Humanities

This workshop will explore environmental humanities as a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationships between humans, culture, and the natural world. Participants will engage in a conversation on how arts, history, philosophy, and social sciences intersect to address environmental challenges, fostering a deeper appreciation of ecological perspectives in contemporary issues.

Chair: Izabella Agárdi (iASK, Hungary)

Participants:

• Inna Hakkinen (University of Helsinki, Finland)
• Kehinde Balogun (Ctholic University of Portugal) 
• Kariuki Weru (UNU-EHS)
• Sanae Okamoto (UNU-MERIT)

3:00 pm – 3:15 pm Coffee Break

3:15 pm – 6:15 pm Workshop: Reimagining Environments: New Approaches in Ecological Design

This workshop explores innovative approaches to designing environments that align with natural ecosystems and foster deeper human-environment connections. By challenging conventional perspectives, participants will engage with emerging ideas of systems thinking and Integral mapping that redefine our understanding of the goals, roles and responsibilities in terms of ecological harmony — concepts that move beyond sustainability toward holistic, future-focused practices. The session invites attendees to experiment with design strategies that encourage dynamic interactions between space, nature, and community, sparking fresh insights into what it means to create truly adaptive and responsive environments.

Workshop is led by Boglárka Jakabfi-Kovács, Architect, Systems Design Researcher (MOME, Hungary)

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Wine tasting

 

Thursday, February, 27 February

10:00 am – 12:00 Panel: Globalisation and New International Legal Frameworks?

This panel explores the impact of globalization on international legal frameworks, focusing on how cultural rights and generational rights are recognized and protected across diverse legal systems. Legal experts will discuss the challenges and opportunities in adapting international laws to respect cultural differences while addressing universal human rights. How can international law balance the protection of cultural rights with the enforcement of universal human rights standards? In what ways should international legal frameworks evolve to address the unique needs of different generations, especially in a rapidly globalizing world?

Participants:

• Damir Banovic (University of Sarajevo)
• Győry Csaba (ELTE)
• Aron Fabian (iASK, Istvan Bibo Special College, Hungary)
• Marton Matyasovszky-Nemet (iASK, Istvan Bibo Special College, Hungary)

12:00 – 2: 00 pm Lunch break

2 pm – 4 pm  Kőszeg walking tour with historian Mónika Matay (iASK, ELTE, Hungary)

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Cultural program: Exhibition opening

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Public Lecture: Shaping the Future: Political and Legal Culture in East-Central Europe

• Aron Fabian (iASK, Istvan Bibo Special College, Hungary)
• Marton Matyasovszky-Nemet (iASK, Istvan Bibo Special College, Hungary)

Friday, February 28

9:30 am – 11:00 am Wrap-up debate session with participants and organisers

11:00 am – 12:00  Certificate Award ceremony