The first speakers for the Estoril Conferences, to be held on 1 and 2 September at Nova SBE's Carcavelos campus, have been announced. Gerard Ryle, Director of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and winner of more than 50 international awards, including an Emmy and a Pulitzer in 2017, will participate on the first day of the event, sharing his experience in the field of investigative journalism and the contribution of real journalism to building a fairer and more just society.
Sir Richard Roberts, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1993, and Aaron Ciechanover, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2004, will take part in the debates over the two days of the conferences, bringing their experience to the discussion on how poverty and climate change can affect access to health care and intervene in the mental health of the world's population. In particular, Sir Richard Roberts will argue that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can make a significant contribution to the fight against hunger in regions such as the African continent, a position supported by 155 Nobel Laureates.
These three internationally recognised names will be joined by Sameera Chukkapalli, head of the Obama Foundation, and Erden Eruç, the first person to circumnavigate the globe solo, using only human power. Both will take the stage to reflect on how to stop the destruction of the planet and discuss ways of working together to defend communities and the planet's natural resources.
Another confirmed name is Alexandra Palt from the L'Oreal Foundation. A lawyer by training, Alexandra specialised in human rights and worked for Amnesty International in Germany. João de Macedo will be another strong speaker. An internationally acclaimed giant wave surfer, he is an environmentalist and co-founder of the Save The Waves Coalition.
"The Estoril Conferences play a very important role in inspiring all generations and challenging us as strategic communities in society to build a better, fairer and more just world. We are committed to sensitising all generations and stimulating critical thinking about the realities around us, especially among the youngest, because this is the only way we can work together for the change the world so desperately needs," says the Executive Director of the Estoril Conferences, Laurinda Alves, adding that "we want to be one of the engines of change, exploring new ways for a more sustainable and humane future".
Nova SBE and NOVA Medical School are promoting the 8th edition of the Estoril Conferences with the strategic support of Cascais Council and Turismo de Portugal, the two co-organisers.
Under the theme "Re-Humanising Our World: Planet, Peace, Politics and People/Health", the Estoril Conferences present a two-day agenda that calls for an open and inclusive dialogue on a more sustainable future based on greater equality, equity, justice and peace.
Dozens of speakers, divided between the main stage and parallel sessions, will take part in the Estoril Conferences, with a mission to inspire immediate action and commitment. Climate change, the path to sustainability, technology for social impact, emerging health issues, mental health, education systems, trust in political institutions and the power of the media; as well as critical questions about the future of democracy and resistance to populism, war conflicts and the refugee crisis, for a future of peace in Europe and the world, are some of the topics that will be addressed. The world's leading business and health schools will join the great leaders and agents of change in a common mission to educate and inspire young people and future leaders to build a shared future where peace, justice, health, sustainability and inclusion thrive.
The Estoril Conferences aim to respond to the urgent need for action and to involve young people in the discussion of the global challenges that are emerging today (and in the near future) by addressing some of the most pressing issues through concerted research and innovative initiatives. This effort to empower young people to become active citizens in democracy and society, and to strengthen their sense of belonging, is in line with the strategies of the "Next EU Research & Innovation Investment Programme 2021-2027: Horizon Europe", with the for EU Youth and with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The 8th edition of the Estoril Conferences will be held on the 1st and 2nd of September 2023 at the Nova SBE Campus in Carcavelos. The event is free to attend, but registration is mandatory due to limited space. The conference will be broadcast live via a digital platform, open and free to participants from all over the world, also with registration.