No Panic – Learning resistance in a world at risk

Europe’s young generation faces uncertainty and the feeling that what’s happening in the world at the moment is worrying. The old consensus of the time after the second world war – to respect countries integrity and borders, to foster economic exchange and economic integration, to stick to the rule of law and solid democracies – this consensus broke down in 2022 with the aggression from Russia, and is further destroyed in the light of the US presidency in 2025. Moreover, the situation of young people is characterized by a feeling of insecurity also in regard to ecological and economic crises, many jobs are insecure and income is volatile for many. This challenges the young generations’ quest for a purpose and an identity.

The program invites young adults to explore possibilities for hope and pathways for a socio-ecological transformation in this changing world. It will include the security question and its challenges for our democratic culture in Europe. It invites us to discuss what does this mean personally for young people, and for us as European societies. How to deal with the insecurities that derive from this reality? How can we create a feeling of safety emotionally but also as societies? How can we build safety nets and organize solidarity and care together? We want to explicitly look at the possibilities for challenging what needs to change, to organize as a society in times of insecurity. We want to explore examples of encouragement for resistance, resilience and change.

This workshop is a cooperation of Evangelische Akademie zu Berlin, Centro Ecumenico Agape and IONA Community organized in the context of Oikosnet Europe, a network of Christian academies and laity centres throughout Europe.

Team
Heinz-Joachim Lohmann, Evangelische Akademie zu Berlin
Dr. Hannah Schilling, Evangelische Akademie zu Berlin
Catriona Robertson, Iona Community
Ilvis, Centro Ecumenico Agape

Prices and information
Participation in the workshop is free of charge. We will cover accommodation (in shared rooms) and meals.
Young adults between the age of 18 and 30 can participate.
The workshop will be held in English.
The workshop at Centro Ecumenico Agape starts on Sunday 24th of May at 17:00 and ends on Friday 29th of May at 21:00 in the evening.
Deadline for registration is April 6th, 2026.

Overview about the program
The European Youth Dialogue thrives on discussions and creative sessions about personal experiences and the exchange of your opinions and feelings on topics that are important to you. This year, we want to develop our symbol of hope and resistance in a world at risk and think about how we can build this symbol as a playground in Agape. As always, we will also have time for hikes to enjoy the beautiful nature around Agape, and in the evenings we will sing and play games together.