Is ‘global’ Berlin a blessing or a curse for its locals?

Berlin has become a place of protection for vulnerable communities and human rights defenders from across the world – political dissidents and scholars from authoritarian countries, refugees fleeing wars and conflicts, civil society organizations and even philanthropies. But while Berlin offers a safe haven to many, it has become less and less welcoming to its own local populations, especially disenfranchised communities, low income households, grassroots activists, local artists and elderly people who can no longer afford booming rents and find themselves pushed to the outskirts, negatively affecting their social participation and cohesion in the city. Join locals and esteemed guests for an evening of sharing and reflection about how ‘global’ Berlin can play a constructive role in fostering inclusion and local participation in the city.

Guests:
Elke Schilling, Vorstand des Silbernetz e.V.
Magnus Hengge, Stadtaktivist mit Bizim Kiez, CLT-Initiative, LokalBau, Stadtprojekte e.V
Andreas Hieronymus, Programm Officer mit Verantwortung für des Inklusionsportfolio des Open Society Initiative for Europe (OSIFE).
Selmin Çalışkan, Open Society Foundations Berlin Hub Office.

An event of the Open Society Foundations Berlin in Collaboration with CLB Berlin in the frame of Berliner Stiftungswoche 2019.

Photo credit: © Sophie Chivet/Agence VU/Redux