In a time marked by growing polarisation, divided communities, and increasing distrust, it is more crucial than ever to carefully assess these issues and find practical solutions. With ongoing threats to democracy and civil society, the philanthropic sector must recognise its distinctive role in fostering unity, mending divides, and discovering innovative ways to preserve connections.
KoneKtor 2024 explored the theme of “Dialogue, Democracy, and Diversity” in Prague, Czechia, from 23-25 September. The event created an opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect, exploring new aspects of democracy, examining polarisation, confronting a world torn apart by conflict, and discussing how foundations could support dialogue, close gaps, and strengthen resilience in the face of societal divisions.
Conference reports
Reflections from KoneKtor – Philanthropy East Forum 2024
By supporting initiatives that foster understanding, reconciliation, and social cohesion, philanthropy can play a critical role in safeguarding the fabric of our society.
KoneKtor – Philanthropy East Forum is the largest and longest running network of philanthropic and civil society organisations focused specifically on issues in central and eastern Europe. This year, the annual gathering was hosted by Porticus in Prague, Czechia and focused on the theme of ‘Dialogue, Democracy, and Diversity’. Read more…
Polarisation and the five stages of grief: A call to action at KoneKtor 2024
KoneKtor is an unconventional conference in the philanthropic world, primarily uniting donors and civil society representatives in the region.
At the end of September, hosted by Porticus, nearly 140 attendees gathered in Prague, with an approximately equal split between foundations and civil society organisations, along with participation from academics and journalists. This makes KoneKtor the largest donor conference in Central and Eastern Europe. Read more…
Interview
Interview with Nedim Krajišnik, Step by Step
‘All post-conflict areas are a playground for donors.’ At this year’s KoneKtor – Philanthropy East Forum (2024), Alliance magazine editor, Elaine Stabler, sat down with Nedim Krajišnik, director of Step by Step, an NGO dedicated to child-centred education in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Reflecting on a post-conflict landscape marred by deep-seated divisions and unresolved issues, Krajišnik offers incisive critique on the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction, a valuable perspective the challenges of effective philanthropy, and an urgent appeal to Open Society Foundation in the wake of their European cuts. Read more…
Reader’s poll winner
Futures divided: Democracy’s test at the EU’s Eastern edge
In late September 2024, Philea hosted its KoneKtor 2024 Annual Forum, and Alliance asked its readers what session they would like to hear about most in a poll. The winner was ‘Futures Divided: Democracy’s Test at the EU’s Eastern Edge.’
I was happy to find out that Alliance readers chose the session ‘Futures Divided: Democracy’s Test at the EU’s Eastern Edge’. I also wasn’t surprised. Coming from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) myself, it was my choice as well. Read more…
Reflections from delegates
Peace must begin and end with community: learnings from KoneKtor 2024
With over 42,000 people killed in Gaza and a recent UN Commission finding evidence of Israel committing crimes against humanity in Palestine, it can sometimes feel hollow and pointless to attend a conference on Dialogue, Democracy, and Diversity.
Talking about these issues feels incredibly insufficient at this moment and it’s hard not to feel helpless. But the question is, in the face of divisive rhetoric, people dying on a daily basis and expanding conflicts—not just in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank, but also in places like Sudan and Myanmar—where do we even begin? Read more…
‘Our differences don’t have to divide us’: Co-creating narratives for justice at KoneKtor 2024
This year’s conference, ‘Dialogue, Democracy, and Diversity,’ brought to life powerful themes centred around the experiences of communities and their resilience in today’s world.
As I settled into my seat, I found myself captivated by a panel featuring two war survivors from opposing countries. Their conversation offered a profound insight into how history can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier. They didn’t merely recount their painful pasts; they shared how their experiences fostered empathy and understanding, highlighting their similarities instead of their differences. Read more…
Comments (0)