Panel discussion “Thinking, Speaking and Writing Under Pressure – Academic Freedom”

On 12 June, at 19:30, a panel discussion on free speech titled “Thinking, Speaking and Writing Under Pressure – Academic Freedom” will be held in Room B201 at Ilia State University.

Across Europe fundamental democratic freedoms are being undermined. Academic freedom is no exception. Be it economic or political pressure, structural reforms or the primacy of “useable knowledge” over “critical thinking”, schools and universities are under attack. Georgian and international scholars will identify the current threats and their historical background. Are there strategies to defend the academic and educational system?

Moderator: Volker Weichsel (Editor at Osteuropa; DE)

Speakers:

Giga Zedania (Director of the Centre for Advanced Studies, Ilia State University, GE);

Dubravka Stojanović (Professor of History, University of Belgrade, RS);

Zsófia Bán (writer and Associate Professor of Visual Culture at Moholy Nagy University of Art and Design, HU)

More details about the debates: Tbilisi 2026 – Debates On Europe

Working languages: Georgian, English

Time and date: 12 June, 15.30-17:00

Venue: Ilia State University, Hall B201, 32 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue

Admission is free.