EIT/What-IF conference: the role of ICT in building an intergenerational fair society

On October 13th 2011, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, together with What-IF, is organizing a joint conference on the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in fostering a better dialogue and partnership between existing and coming generations. This conference is part of a series of events organized by What-IF throughout Europe.

In the context of the forthcoming European Year of Ageing in 2012, “Intergenerational Fairness” is proposed as a possible way to address the major challenges ahead, ranging from climate change to economics, from employment to energy, from the welfare state to education. In particular, this conference will focus on how ICT can support new forms of cooperation between generations but also recognizing and posing possible issues of “generational divide”.

The event will be held in the EIT premises in Budapest, and foresees a limited number of participants from the ICT community, policy makers, entrepreneurs and civil society organizations. It will involve prominent members of the EIT, members of its Governing Board and EU stakeholders, as well as the participation of the Hungarian Secretary of State and other authorities.

What-IF is a non profit organization that, in partnership with Junior Achievement, proposes an intergenerational reading of major societal challenges. The aim of the entire What-IF process is to build a network, propose a vision and a concrete pathway for sustainability based on the main idea that the challenges of tomorrow can be faced only IF “a new pact between generations” is established.

The first phase of the What-IF initiative, started in the summer of 2010, has taken place with the organization of a series of events throughout Europe, and will conclude by the end of 2011 with an event to be held in the European Parliament. Each event addresses a topic relevant for the local context and hosting organizations. During 2012, What-IF, will support this emerging network in promoting the concept of Intergenerational Fairness through policies and projects, both at the local and the EU level.
 
Access by invitation only. For further information please send an email to EIT-What-IF@eit.europa.eu or visit the website www.whatif-ja.org.