The emergence and spread of COVID-19 in the first half of 2020 posed challenges that we have not seen in the last hundred years.

Measures had to be taken swiftly and decisively, in many cases adversely affecting disadvantaged, and vulnerable groups.

There are many indications that the pandemic is not over and societies in Europe and around the world are living in uncertainty – uncertainty that is only expected to increase.

Each area has its own procedures, regulations, and protocol to follow, but there were no real answers to this exceptional situation. It was often necessary to improvise and rely on the knowledge and expertise of researchers and professionals, trust the wisdom of the government, its funding structures, the solidarity, and the immune system of society.

We face numerous questions, which are difficult or impossible to answer immediately, but the exchange of views among stakeholders and those responsible can help us to find optimal ways to accountable and efficient attitudes and flexible adaption. In order to formulate the response, we will need more and more information, positive examples, and, above all, resilience.

Here are some of the many questions that need answers:

• CAN WE SAY THAT THE DEFENCE OF HUNGARIAN SOCIETY AND INSTITUTIONAL SYSTEM HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN EUROPE AND GLOBALLY? WHY?
• WHAT COULD/SHOULD WE DO BETTER?
• HOME OFFICE: A BLESSING OR A CURSE?
• DO WE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES OF TECHNOLOGY? IF NOT, WHY? WHAT MORE CAN WE DO?
• CAN THE PANDEMIC CONTRIBUTE TO A BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION BETWEEN DIFFERENT SOCIAL GROUPS AND INSTITUTIONS?
• THE ISSUE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: WHO IS TO INITIATE? THOSE WHO RULE OR THOSE WHO ARE RULED?
• IS IT POSSIBLE TO ENHANCE SOCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING AND RESILIENCE IN A TIME OF ENDURING UNCERTAINTY AND DANGER?

Organizer: Institute of Advanced Studies, Kőszeg

Date: 2nd October 2020, 9 am – 4 pm 

Venue: Zwinger Old Tower, Kőszeg H-9730 Chernel st. 16.

Program:

9:00-12:00 Online lectures

We will broadcast 3 pre-recorded lectures in foreign languages with Hungarian subtitles. The speakers will receive the other two presentations in advance and have a panel discussion live from 10:00-12:00. The lectures will be followable via Facebook and the panel will be held on a ZOOM platform, we will send an invitation to this.

9:00-9:20            Ortwinn Renn, Scientific Director, Potsdam IASS /Facebook/ /Youtube/

                               The COVID-19 Crisis: Insights from a Systemic Risk Perspective

9:20-9:40            Daniel R. Brooks, senior researcher, iASK, University of Toronto /Facebook/ /Youtube/

                              A Perfect Storm: Climate Change, Emerging Disease, Us

9:40-10:00          Anikó Magasházi, researcher, IASK /Facebook/ /Youtube/

                               COVID-19: Southeast Asian Experiences

10:00-12:00        Panel discussion /ZOOM/

      Moderator: Jody Jensen, Director, iASK Polányi Centre

14:00-16:00        Round table discussion with the participation of local experts in education and healthcare from Kőszeg, Szombathely and Budapest. This will be held on ZOOM for the previously invited people.