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.

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

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

Transformative Technologies, 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?

Forging Global Peace and Security: Governance, Justice, and Equality in a Turbulent World: 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?

Global Intersections: Evolving and Preserving Cultural Heritage Across Borders: 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.

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?

Reimagining Environments: 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?

Globalisation and New International Legal Frameworks?: 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? Application deadline:

January 15th, 2025

Applicants should 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.